Ten year old Kathleen Rose has raised £441 for the National Autisic Society after donating 14 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.
Kathleen, who is home educated and lives in Bassingbourn, decided to help other children and chose to support two charities that were close to her heart. After continually growing her plaits for several years, she had them cut last week at the Hair Boutique in Royston, with the donated locks being used to produce real wigs for young people who have lost their own hair through illness.
In unison with the hair cutting, Kathleen also launched her own fundraising appeal for the National Autistic Society. With family members and friends in the local community supporting her efforts the total rapidly rose to over £400.
Inspired by her daughter’s commitments, Kathleen’s mum, Chloe, also responded by having 21 inches of her own locks also donated to the Trust. Together, they have provided sufficient hair to greatly assist youngsters facing difficult circumstances.
Each year the Little Princess Trust provides around 2,000 free of charge real hair wigs to those who have lost their own hair either due to Cancer treatment or other conditions. The Trust is also one of the largest funders of childhood Cancer research in the U.K. A spokesperson for the organisation commented that, “ Kathleen’s donation will be very gratefully received as we are keen to receive the longer lengths of hair to keep up with the current trend. The fact that she has also fundraised for us is also extremely appreciated as it costs us £700 to make and fit each wig.”
Kathleen has expressed how delighted she is by the kindness bestowed on her and her gratitude for all of the donations.
Kathleen’s family hope her achievement will encourage many other members of the public to support worthwhile causes such as this, and has shown that even at 10 years of age you can make a real step change to other youngsters lives. Her story proves that kindness and determination can go a long way to influencing other people in our local community and beyond.
Article by Clive Porter / Photography by Malcolm Woods
