Selfless Mia Rose set for big hair cut to help those less fortunate

Mia Rose Smith, nine, from Grangetown, Sunderland, has only ever had her hair trimmed, but is set to undergo a major transformation next month.

She will have nine inches of hair taken off, to be donated to the Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs to boys and girls across the country who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

Mia Rose is also raising money for the charity Second Hope, which is the only UK charity specifically for people living with advanced breast cancer.

Her motivation is her great auntie Linda Johnson, 58, who is terminally ill with the disease.

The selfless youngster, who attends Grangetown Primary School, is “nervous” ahead of the change to her hair, which is currently nearly waist-length.

However, proud mum Jodie Smith says Mia Rose can’t wait to help other children across the country.

She said: “Mia Rose is doing this so a wig can be made for a child who doesn’t have any hair, because hers will grow back.

“What she is doing is so selfless, and is making all of her family so proud.

“She has only ever had her hair trimmed, so this is a really big deal for her and she’s a bit nervous.

“When it was first mentioned, we discussed it, and I asked her if that’s what she’d like to do, to help the children who have no hair.

“She really wants to do it, and she knows it will help people like her great auntie Linda, too, which motivates her.”

Mia Rose initially aimed to raise £500 for Second Hope, but already, that figure has been reached. The new target is £1,000.

Mum Jodie added: “It has been amazing to see so much money donated already, and any more would be greatly appreciated.

“Mia Rose’s auntie Linda was instrumental in setting up what is the only UK charity specifically for secondary breast cancer.”

The haircut will take place at hair and beauty salon Tranquility, in Ryhope Street, Sunderland, on Saturday, June 4.

To donate to the fund, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/miasmith737