A hair-raising way to help

The Revoe Community Primary School pupil had her long locks chopped off to help youngsters suffering from cancer – inspired by her older brother Declan.

Jessica, from Blackpool, is donating 15 ins of her hair to the charity The Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children who have lost theirs due to cancer treatment. The eight-year-old has also raised £300 for the cause.

In 2008, Declan – now 17 – was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He had a malignant tumour removed from his chest and underwent gruelling chemotherapy. At the time of his treatment, his mum Linda was heavily pregnant with Jessica, who was born in between Declan’s chemotherapy cycles. Declan won awards for his bravery, including the Cancer Research UK Little Star Award.

After seeing pictures of Declan during his treatment, Jessica was inspired to do something for other children diagnosed with cancer.

Proud dad Wes, a hairdresser, said: “She was due a haircut, as it was really long. It was just going to be a trim, but she decided she wanted to have a lot of her hair cut off and donate it to the charity, so it could be made into a wig for children who’ve lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

“She just took it upon herself to do something to help.

“She’s seen pictures of course of Declan when he was bald from the chemotherapy, and him having treatment coincided with Jessica being born.

“Eight years on, Declan is now all-clear, he still has to have check-ups once a year, but he’s doing great.

“She had about 15 inches cut off in a plait to donate, her hair is now shoulder-length.

“She also had a justgiving page set up and has reached her target of £300 for the charity.

“We’re hoping people reading Jessica’s story might be inspired to do something themselves and perhaps reading about Declan might help give hope to anyone in a similar situation.”