A YOUNG girl raised hundreds of pounds and will be donating her long locks to charity after getting her first major haircut in nearly two years.
Rosie Lilian Becker, eight, lives in Braintree with her mum Laura Smith.
Rosie has undergone a huge haircut in aid of The Little Princess Trust.
The Little Princess Trust charity provides free hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions.
Rosie has always had thick blonde hair and this was her first big haircut in a "long time".
After a small trim in April, the idea to cut off the locks arose.
It was then suggested at the time by Laura’s work colleague that Rosie donate the hair.
The haircut took place at Braintree's No.67 Hair & Beauty, which cut Rosie’s hair for free after they were informed about her generous intention to donate the hair.
After a mixture of fundraising efforts through a GoFundMe Page, donations collected in person, and at Rag Tag & Bobtail, in Witham, Rosie has raised £710 for the charity.
Mum Laura said: “We went in there with balloons and cupcakes for staff and other customers, she was excited, I was nervous, she loved it, she pulled funny in the mirror whilst it was happening.
“I am sad as I can’t put her hair in ponytails anymore, but she loves it, she keeps acting like a teenager now.
“She’s raised £710 for The Little Princess Trust.
“I’m ridiculously proud, it is hair, it will grow back.
“She is over the moon, the little look on her face when she saw it being cut off, she was like ‘that is my hair.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to the hairdresser Layla, who cut her hair, as she did it for free for charity, everyone who has donated on the JustGiving Page and in my mum’s shop, and at the hairdressers.
“My dad is a kitchen fitter and some of his customers have donated money, so a big thanks to them as well.”
Laura has confirmed the money will be donated within the next two weeks once a cheque book is sent in the post.
Rosie is fond of her new look.
She said: “I like it very much because my hair is helping kids who need it.
“I like my hair short because it's cooler and I look more grown up.”
To find out more about The Little Princess Trust, visit littleprincesses.org.uk.
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