Swindon girl's haircut raises money for Little Princess Trust

Olivia Davies, a seven-year-old from North Swindon, has raised more than £600 for The Little Princess Trust this week, after she chose to donate 14 inches of her long blonde hair to make wigs.

The schoolgirl first heard about the charity when her primary school began fundraising for a local child with cancer.

“She was really intrigued by fundraising, what it meant and what she could do, and it really started her thought process,” said Natasha Hughes, Olivia’s mum.

“We were all really proud of Olivia’s decision. She’s been adamant since the day she first thought about it that this is what she wanted to do,” she added.

The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs, free of charge, to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or to other conditions such as Alopecia.

As well as producing wigs, they are also one of the largest funders of childhood cancer research in the UK.

Speaking to the Adver, Olivia explained: “It felt nice because I could give something I like to poorly boys and girls.

“My hair is very long and I’m happy that someone else can use it to make them smile.”

Olivia's mum has called her an inspiration. (Image: Natasha Hughes)

Olivia’s original hope was to raise £200, but having seen how online donations have shot through the roof, she is now keeping her fingers crossed that the fundraiser could reach £1000.

“She’s never even had her hair cut properly before, only ever little trims so this was the first time in seven years that anything significant has ever been cut off!” said Olivia’s mum.

On the day of the big cut, Olivia was reportedly awake at 6am counting down the hours with excitement.

“It was emotional to watch it be cut because we knew that this was all her decision and we couldn’t be prouder,” Natasha added.

“Although it is just a haircut to some, this is a little girl who has planned the whole thing herself to help others. It was all her idea."

Olivia Davies' hair before and after she donated 14 inches. (Image: Natasha Hughes)

Olivia’s friends and family have all been behind her throughout this decision, especially her school who invited her to talk about The Little Princess Trust and what she was planning during assembly.

“Lots of the children told their parents about it and they have been in touch to donate to her Just Giving page,” said Natasha.

“It’s so lovely to know that a seven-year-old girls hair donation can encourage so many conversations about important causes like this one.

You can donate to Olivia's Just Giving page here.