Bidford girl donates hair to Little Princess Trust

A young girl from Bidford has made a heartfelt donation of hair she has grown throughout her life to the Little Princess Trust, the UK charity that supplies real-hair wigs to children and young people who lose their hair through illness. Her gesture is a quiet reminder of how personal acts of kindness can make a tangible difference for families facing the emotional and practical challenges of childhood hair loss.

Why hair donations matter

For children and young people with alopecia or undergoing cancer treatment, losing hair can be one of the most visible and upsetting aspects of their condition. Real-hair wigs provided by charities such as the Little Princess Trust aim to restore a sense of normality and confidence — and they are typically provided free of charge to families in the UK. Donations of natural hair are the raw material that makes these wigs possible, transforming individual generosity into lasting emotional support.

What the Little Princess Trust does

The Little Princess Trust makes wigs and funds research into childhood cancer. Its service is widely used by families across the UK and beyond, supplying clinically fitted wigs to children and young people when they most need them. Donations play a central role in the charity’s work: without donated hair and the fundraising that underwrites wig production, the charity could not maintain its supply of bespoke wigs for children.

How hair donation works — practical steps

If you are inspired by this Bidford donation and want to learn how the process typically works, here are the general steps most charities ask donors to follow. Always check the specific guidance on the charity’s website before you cut.

• Grow: Most charities have a minimum length requirement for the hair they accept (for the Little Princess Trust, the minimum is 7 inches/17 cm). Donors often plan for many months or years to reach that length.
• Prepare: Hair should be clean and fully dry before it is cut. It is usually tied into a ponytail or plait and secured with an elastic at both ends to keep the hair aligned.
• Cut: A trained hairdresser can make the cut professionally or a family member can cut at home; the cut is made above the tie so the donated hair remains bound together.
• Package: Once cut, the hair is typically placed in a sealed plastic bag and packaged with any required donation form or details requested by the charity.
• Send: Donations are posted to the charity’s address or dropped off at an approved salon. Many charities provide clear instructions and donation forms online.

Stories of impact and community spirit

Local stories like the Bidford girl's donation are more than human-interest copy: they show how communities support one another through small but meaningful acts. One donated ponytail can help create a wig that offers confidence and dignity to a child during a challenging time. Schools, salons and families often get involved — organising group cuts, fundraising events or awareness drives — and these collective efforts amplify the impact beyond a single donation.

How salons and local groups help

Community salons, schools and youth groups often partner with charities to facilitate donations. Salons may offer discounted or free cuts for donors, and schools sometimes host awareness days so pupils learn about the charity and the reasons behind such donations. These partnerships make the process easier and more visible, encouraging others to take part.

Takeaway

The simple act of donating hair can carry enormous emotional weight for a child in need. The Bidford girl's contribution is a reminder that small, considered choices — growing hair over time, tying it carefully, and sending it to a charity — can become a profound gift for someone else. If you are moved to give, consult the charity’s official guidance to ensure your hair meets their requirements and to learn the correct way to prepare and send your donation.