Girl with rare blood cancer donates hair before chemo

When 11-year-old Lola Gough-Hacking learned she had a rare blood cancer, one of her first actions was to make a deliberate, generous choice: she donated her hair to charity before starting chemotherapy. The act — quietly courageous and practical — has drawn the community together around the Rudheath youngster, who began at Rudheath Senior Academy in September and made the decision on Tuesday 11 November shortly after her diagnosis.

Why hair donation matters — beyond the haircut

Hair donation before chemotherapy carries both symbolic and practical significance. For many people facing treatment-related hair loss, a wig offers a measure of normality and dignity. When a young person chooses to donate their hair, it can feel like handing on a tangible gift to someone who may need it during a difficult time.

In Lola’s case, the timing of the donation — taken before her own hair is affected by treatment — ensures the hair reaches the best possible condition for wig-making. Donated hair usually needs to be a certain length, in good condition, and free from chemical treatments to be made into natural-looking wigs.

Community reaction and school support

Small communities often rally around families navigating a serious diagnosis. Lola’s school, neighbours and local supporters have expressed solidarity, and stories like this one frequently prompt practical help — fundraising, meal trains, and offers to accompany families to appointments. For children and teenagers, seeing peers and teachers respond with kindness can be a crucial emotional anchor.

There is also a ripple effect: hair donation events, awareness-raising posts and local collections often follow news of an individual’s choice, leading to more donations for charity and increased public understanding of how simple acts can make a difference.

How hair donations are used and what charities look for

Charities that create wigs from donated hair convert multiple individual donations into finished wigs, which are then provided free or at reduced cost to people who have lost hair through medical treatment. While each organisation has its own criteria, the basics are consistent across the sector.

• Typical minimum length required is usually between 8–12 inches (20–30cm), depending on the charity’s standards.
• Hair should be dry and clean, and often needs to be bundled into a ponytail or braid before being cut to keep strands together.
• Highly chemically treated, permed or extensively dyed hair may be accepted by some groups but can limit suitability for wig-making.
• Donations usually undergo sorting: the best-quality hair is reserved for human-hair wigs, while other donations may support blended wigs or be used for alternative purposes.

For families considering donating, it helps to research the charity’s requirements and follow their instructions on how to prepare and post the hair. Local salons sometimes partner with charities to host collection days or to ensure a cut meets specifications.

Practical tips for families preparing for chemotherapy-related hair loss

Alongside the emotional adjustments, practical preparation can ease the transition when hair loss begins. Below are sensible steps families often find useful.

• Talk openly with the child at a level they can understand; prepare them for the possibility of hair loss and involve them in decisions about wigs, scarves or headwear.
• Consider having a professional consult about head coverings and wig options early — trying different styles before hair falls out helps identify what feels most comfortable.
• Use gentle haircare products and avoid harsh chemical treatments in the months prior to treatment to keep hair in the best possible condition for donation or wigs.
• Keep photographs of the child’s hair before treatment — they can be comforting mementos and are useful for bespoke wig-makers aiming to match pre-treatment appearance.
• Seek peer support: online groups and local charities often connect families who have gone through similar experiences, offering practical tips and emotional solidarity.

Ethics and agency: why Lola’s decision matters

When a young person makes an active choice in the face of illness, it restores a measure of control at a time when much feels uncertain. Lola’s decision to donate her hair is not just a headline moment — it’s a personal act that affirms agency and generosity. It also highlights how children and young people can take meaningful roles in charitable giving, shaping their own narratives rather than being only passive recipients of care.

For the wider public, the story prompts reflection on how we support families through illness: practical resources, accessible information about donation and wig services, and community-led emotional support all matter.

Key Takeaways

• Lola Gough-Hacking, a pupil who recently started at Rudheath Senior Academy, donated her hair after a recent diagnosis of a rare blood cancer.
• Donating hair before chemotherapy ensures the best quality for wig-making and provides practical help to those losing hair through treatment.
• Charities typically require hair to meet minimum length and condition standards; local salons can often help with preparation.
• Families should plan ahead for scalp care, wig fitting and emotional support to ease the transition during treatment.
• Acts of generosity from patients, families and communities can create meaningful solidarity and practical support during periods of illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can anyone donate their hair?
A: Many people can donate, but individual charities set criteria — commonly a minimum length and guidance about chemical treatments. It’s best to check the requirements of the chosen charity before cutting.

Q: How is donated hair turned into a wig?
A: Donated hair is collected, sorted and prepared. High-quality hair is sewn onto wig caps by specialist wig-makers. Some organisations combine donations to create a full wig, while others blend human hair with synthetic fibres for durability and cost-effectiveness.

Q: If hair is dyed or treated, can it still be donated?
A: It depends on the charity. Mildly coloured hair may be acceptable; heavily processed or chemically damaged hair may be unsuitable for certain wig types. Always check the charity’s guidance.

Q: How can families find support locally?
A: Hospitals and cancer support groups typically have social workers or patient liaison teams who can signpost to local charities, wig services and community support. Schools and local community groups often organise practical help and fundraising too.

Q: What if a child doesn’t want to wear a wig?
A: Some people prefer headscarves, hats or keep their hair short and embrace their changing appearance. The important thing is choice and comfort for the child — exploring options beforehand helps families decide what feels right.