Ellie Wilkieson, 10, has lopped off 12.5ins of her hair to raise money for The Little Princess Trust, a UK charity providing free, real-hair wigs to children and young people up to age 24 experiencing medical hair loss.

A Wigan schoolgirl has taken on the selfless act of cutting off her own hair in order to create wigs for children with cancer.

Ellie Wilkieson, 10, lost a whopping 12.5ins of her locks to raise money for The Little Princess Trust.

Ellie and her mum before the chop | Amy Wilkieson

placeholder image — Ellie and her mum before the chop | Amy Wilkieson

The trust is a UK charity providing free, real-hair wigs to children and young people up to age 24 experiencing medical hair loss.

Funded by donations, it uses donated hair to restore confidence. It also funds vital research into finding kinder childhood cancer treatments.

Ellie took on the big chop after being inspired by her mum Amy’s own decision to shave her head and also upon finding out that a wig can cost around £700 to make.

Amy said: “I did Brave the Shave last August and Ellie wanted to do it then but her hair wasn’t long enough. She also does some acting and her headshots were due in October so I told her that we’ll do it then and then she can have new headshots.”

“I did mine because my grandma passed away from cancer and we managed to raise £1,200 for the charity then.”

Brave the Shave is a major UK charity fundraising campaign run by Macmillan Cancer Support. Participants get sponsored by friends and family to shave their heads.

Amy said: “So far, Ellie has raised £830 and also donated 12.5 inches. She looks amazing, and absolutely loves her new do. The turnout at the cricket club was amazing, she had lots of support from family, friends and the community.

“She is incredibly proud of herself as are we as her parents. She has already said she wants to do it again when its grown back. Honestly, we are immensely proud of the selfless, caring kind young lady she is. We hope her donation brings happiness and confidence to the recipient. Well done princess, you are amazing!”

Ellie said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far, I’ve done it and donated 12.5ins of hair to make a wig. We’ve raised £830, let’s see if we can get to £1,000. Please donate, it’s still open.”

To donate to Ellie’s haircut fundraiser, go to: https://fundraise.littleprincesses.org.uk/fundraising/elles-fundraiser-xx