Most of us associate hair loss with middle age. You start developing a bald patch on the back of your head, or you notice hair receding, slowly leaving you  with a gleaming forehead. Very few of us, if any, associate hair loss with childhood, yet imagine being bald in the school playground. Children in general aren't good at being discrete, and are likely to point, stare and call names. Hair loss is a common side affect of cancer treating drugs, especially of radiotherapy. 1,700 children (under the age of 15) are diagnosed with a childhood cancer every year; a large proportion of these will suffer hair loss. They will have to face the world with their changed appearance. This is challenging as an adult, but for a child loosing their hair can often be even more traumatic than the actual cancer treatment.
 
The Little Princess Trust (www.littleprincesses.org.uk), run solely by volunteers, provides real hair wigs to children who suffer from hair loss. Wigs are tailor-made to the child's head shape and individual wishes, for example hair colour and length.
 
Five years ago I cut my hair, and donated the physical hair to a wig making charity.  Even though this was a voluntary action, I was shocked, and couldn't wait for my hair to grow back. Whilst at the time I said never again, my hair has now reached the required 10" length, and I will be making the chop at the end of the summer. Last time I did not ask for any monetary donations, I did it because I thought it was a worthy cause. This time, as well as my hair, I'd like to raise £500 in aid of The Little Princess Trust. The charity does not charge for any wigs they give to the children, but this sum is what a wig would cost if bought in a shop.

Any help that you can give will be greatly appreciated.
 
Thanks! is

ps, I'm afraid I won't be taking out the clippers, it'll just be a bit shorter than the picture

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Update April 19th 2011: Morgan Stanley International Foundation runs a employee matching program, and has agreed to match the £1065 I managed to raise. So thank you all for donating!