Sunderland girl, 8, gets 21 inches cut off her long locks to make three wigs for children who've lost their hair

Milly Rose McLaughlin made a decision which brought a lump to her mum’s throat when she said she wanted to get her hair, which drapes beautifully down past her knees, cut.

Mum Sheryl, of Ryhope, had tried to put Milly off the idea for sometime reluctant to see her long locks go.

But after the mother-daughter-due completed the Race for Life in memory of Milly’s great great grandfather, Billy O'Hanlon, Sheryl spoke to the eight-year-old about different ways to do something good for other people.

They booked up to get the haircut at Bridie-Rose Hair and Beauty Lounge – who offered to cut her hair for free in support of the cause.

The 31-year-old, who is also mum to Ruby Rose Hawkins, five, and Alfie William Hawkins, two, said: “I told her she could cut her hair if she wanted to and I told her about the Little Princess Trust and how they make wigs for little girls and boys who don’t have any hair.

“She was really excited and said that is something she’d love to do.

“We both had a bit of a cry when her hair was cut but she loves her new hair now.

“Everyone is so proud of her and she’s proud of herself – the hairdresser cut off 21 inches of hair which is enough to make three new wigs.

“It’s amazing that she’s done it. She’s decided she really likes the length her hair is at now and wants to keep growing it and getting it cut for the charity when it gets long enough.”

The Little Princess Trust provides free real hair wigs to children and young people, up to 24 years, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

It was established in 2006 by the parents of Hannah Tarplee – who saw the positive impact a wig had on their daughter during her treatment.

Sadly Hannah passed away in 2005 and her parents launched the charity dedicated to providing real hair wigs for children and young people.