A SCHOOLGIRL has cut off her waist-length hair to help make a wig for ill children.
Helena Clarke, 11, had beautiful waist-length auburn curls which she had been growing in a bid to emulate her older sister.
But, just before reaching her target of being able to sit on her hair, Helena decided instead to cut it off for charity.
Helena’s beautiful mane was plaited and snipped at Eden Salon, Ashbourne on Saturday, after the youngster, who lives in Mayfield and attends Ryecroft Middle School, raised £350 to fund having her hair made into a wig for poorly children by the Little Princess Trust.
Helena’s parents, Beckie and Iain, were shocked when Helena decided to cut off all her hair, but have helped their daughter to raise the cash to have it turned into a wig.
Helena said: “My cousin Evie did it about a year ago for the same charity.
“Some of my friends think that I shouldn’t have my hair cut off and some of them say do it because whoever gets the wig will be happy.
“I’m happy to do it.”
The 16” plait will be posted off to the charity over the next few days after Helena, who is one of five children, has collected in all her sponsor money.
Proud mum, Mrs Clarke, said: “We’re just really proud of her. She basically came home one day and said she wanted to do it. We’ve helped her raise the money for the charity to turn her hair into a wig and she has collected sponsorship from friends, family and teachers at Ryecroft and Henry Prince First School in the village.
“She has got beautiful hair, but having it cut will save me 20 minutes of haircombing each morning and 15 minutes at night.”
To support Helena’s efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/helenagingercurls.
