AN Ilkley teenager is cutting 12 inches off her flowing, auburn hair, this weekend and donating it charity to be made into wigs for children and young people who have lost their hair through illness, such as cancer.

Bobby Arrowsmith, 17, was inspired to cut her hair after seeing how a childhood friend benefitted from receiving wigs from the Little Princess Trust when they were growing up together.

Bobby said: “I remember how excited my friend was when she received her wig from the Little Princess Trust, and how it made a difference to her. Occasionally I volunteer for a charity which supports children going through cancer treatment and know that having a wig can help give people back their confidence and make them feel more normal.”

The Little Princess Trust, and their partner charity Hero by LPT, give away free real hair wigs to children that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other illnesses. If a suitable donated-hair wig cannot be sourced for a child, then the charity will buy in the most appropriate wig. The cost to the charity to purchase one wig is on average between £350-£500.

In addition to donating her hair, Bobby is also hoping to raise funds to help the Little Princess Trust.

Bobby explains “My fundraising target is £300, which is how much it takes to make a real hair wig. It takes a lot of time and craftsmanship which makes it so expensive. I’m so excited and nervous to donate my hair to this great cause.”

Anyone wanting to support Bobby in her fundraising for the Little Trust can donate via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Roberta-Arrowsmith