A pair of kind-hearted team members at a Dorset care home invited residents to help cut their long hair so they could raise money for a children’s cancer charity.
Carer Ellie Belhabi and Companion Team Leader Lora Misheva, who work at Colten Care’s Newstone House in Sturminster Newton, donated their locks to the Little Princess Trust which makes wigs for young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment.
As well as undergoing their cuts, Ellie and Lora smashed an initial fundraising ambition to raise more than £1,250 through sponsorship.
Their original target, £700, was set as that is how much it costs the Trust to make and fit a bespoke, real-hair wig and provide it for free to a child or young person.
Residents at Newstone House, including former professional hair stylist Derek Martin, took turns to hold the scissors and cut the brave duo’s hair.
Derek said: “The Little Princess Trust is an amazing charity. Hair is something most people take for granted but losing it, especially as a child or young person, can have a massive impact. I was only too pleased to do my bit to help.”
After the haircuts, Ellie said: “I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from family, friends, colleagues and residents. Thank you to all who supported us.”
Ellie’s comments were echoed by Lora, who added: “We are honoured to be surrounded by such generous and kind people.”
Home Manager April King said: “Ellie and Lora made a selfless decision to donate their hair and, at the same time, raise money for this wonderful cause.
“In true Newstone family style, residents, staff, the local community along with family and friends rose to the occasion. We had a raffle to win the right to make the all- important first cut. Resident Derek and family friend Ron won the honours.
“Ellie and Lora looked petrified but bravely went through with it. Lora said that the sound of the scissors actually made her feel quite nauseous.
“Rachael Mullins, the daughter of resident Muriel, was on hand to ensure no over enthusiastic shearing took place and to style out the end result.”
Founded in 2005, the Little Princess Trust has made and supplied more than 20,000 wigs so far. The Trust says up to 16 individual hair donations are typically used to blend a single wig, a process that can take a wigmaker around 60 hours to complete. It costs upwards of £700 to provide fitting and bespoke styling for each recipient.
For more information on the work of the Trust, visit www.littleprincesses.org.uk.
