A MUM, whose daughter and unborn child have been diagnosed with a fatal premature aging syndrome, is shaving her hair off for charity.

Jodie Barden, 26, of Speedwell Close, Witham, promised to loose her locks if wellwishers donated £1,500 to her daughter Ella’s Just Giving Page.

But her target was smashed within days as people heard of the young family’s heartbreaking story, which was also reported in the national media.

Last month *dec* six-year-old Ella was diagnosed with Cockayne Syndrome- which affects two babies in every million- after years of testing to see why she wasn’t developing properly.

Days later Jodie and her husband Luke, 27, learnt their unborn daughter, who is due in April, also had the syndrome.

It means they have an average life expectancy of just 12 years.

The family, including two-year-old Alex, who does not have the syndrome, are trying to fulfill Ella’s bucket list.

They have so far raised more than £2,200, which will go towards the list and raising awareness.

They plan to buy Ella a £1,500 trike that will allow her to ride about on her own.