Kaleigh is my daughter Flo's close friend at school. We walk to school together every day. Sadly, Kaleigh was diagnosed with an inoperable DIPG brain tumour in April of last year for which there is presently no curative treatment.

As a symbol of support and to raise money to fund future treatments I have decided to cut off my ginger locks! It's a small thing to do - it's only hair after all - but I am hoping to raise money and awareness to help a family friend in dire need.

DIPG is a cancerous tumour located in between the brain and the spinal cord making it impossible to operate on. DIPG affects predominantly children and in the UK around 40 a year develop this kind of devastating tumour. There is, on average, a survival time of just nine months from diagnosis meaning that, tragically, Kaleigh may be running out of time.

Research into this cancer is not funded as it affects a relatively small number of children a year, but this makes it no less important. Kaleigh's family have calculated that they will need over £200k to fund them through the clinical trials that may help her live past diagnosis. The money raised from this page will therefore go towards these treatments as they are not currently funded by the NHS.

As Kaleigh's Trust is not a charity I will be collecting the money through this page and will donate it directly to the Trust. However, if you would rather donate directly yourself then please do. You can also learn more about Kaleigh and her progress through these pages:
https://www.chuffed.org/project/kaleighs-trust
http://kaleigh.ethanet.co.uk

Once chopped I will be donating my hair to The Little Princess Trust who make wigs for kids with cancer. Read more about them here: http://www.littleprincesses.org.uk

I would love to end this on a positive note, but unfortunately cutting off my hair is nothing compared to what this lovely family is having to go through. We would be extremely grateful for any amount you can donate. Thank you.