Sunderland schoolgirl's selfless act raises over £1,000 for charity

Mia Rose Smith, from Grangetown, Sunderland, had only ever had her hair trimmed, and it was almost waist-length.

Despite being “petrified”, the Grangetown Primary School had nine inches cut off in the name of charity at hair and beauty salon Tranquility, in Ryhope Street South, Sunderland.

She donated it 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 also raised about £1,200 for the charity Second Hope, which is the only UK charity specifically for people living with advanced breast cancer.

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

Mum Jodie Smith was bursting with pride at her daughter’s selfless act after she also had the Second Hope logo shaved onto the back of her head.

She said: “The whole day was great.

“The atmosphere was very good, and there were balloons put up, while the salon provided refreshments.

“Mia Rose was absolutely petrified before it, because she had only ever had her hair trimmed in the past.

“She sat there like a trooper, though, and even had the back of her head shaved so she could have the charity’s emblem shaved in.

“I’m extremely proud of her, because this is such a selfless thing to do and will help a lot of people.”

Mia Rose is delighted with her new hairstyle, and intends to keep it like that for some time.

Jodie added: “She absolutely loves her new hairstyle and says she wants to keep it like this for a while.

“She had never had her hair cut short before, so she didn’t really know what to expect, but she’s delighted with the outcome.

“She’s also absolutely ecstatic with how much money has been raised, too, and can’t stop smiling.

“It was amazing to see how many donations she received.

“The initial target was £500, so to more than double that is fantastic.”

Donations can still be made by visiting mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/miasmith737