Chosen beneficiaries:

1. Little Princess Trust - will receive my hair, they are an organisation dedicated to making wigs for children and young adults who have lost their hair due to cancer

2. Target Ovarian Cancer - an organisation dedicated to research, early diagnosis and support of women with ovarian cancer. 50% of funds raised will go to this charity in the name of Andi Edmondson.

3. Shooting Star Children's Hospices - an organisation dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families, from diagnosis, to end of life care, and bereavement. 50% of funds raised will go to this charity in the name of Alex Carlin.

Why I'm going to cut my hair off and donate it to a charity that makes wigs for children with cancer:

In October 2015, I lost one of the best friends a girl could ever wish for to ovarian cancer. Andi was one of the most amazing, inspirational people you could ever meet. She drove me to be a better person, and believed in my dreams when nobody else would. Despite her battle with cancer she was still there for me when I had health problems of my own. I think of her every day, I miss her every day. I still cannot get used to a world with an Andi-shaped hole in it.

One of the things Andi found most distressing during chemo was the loss of her hair. When she got her 'Jennifer Aniston Hair' (as she affectionately called her wig) it made a huge difference to her both emotionally and mentally. If this can have such a huge impact on an adult, then I can only imagine how much harder and difficult to cope with it must be for a child. That is why, in memory of Andi on the 5th anniversary of her death, I have decided to cut off my much-loved and strived-for long hair and donate it to an organisation that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer. It has taken me 5 years to grow it this long, and I swore I would never have it short again! However, if children can handle the stress of losing their hair through cancer, then I don't have any excuses not to cope with losing it at the hands of the hairdresser!

This fundraiser is also in the memory of Alex, who bravely fought against cancer for most of her teenage years, and sadly lost her battle 4 years ago a few days before her 18th birthday. I went to school with Alex's mum, and throughout her fight Alex always projected strength, courage and determination! She never felt sorry for herself, and despite her own struggles she continued to help others by knitting little toys that would go to support others. Alex is missed by all who knew and loved her, and her spirit continues to inspire in the same way as she did when she was alive.

But let's go one step further and actually raise money for a good cause, too - cancer charities!

I've set a target, and when that target is met I will take myself off to the hairdressers and do the deed.....so the quicker we raise the funds, the quicker a child somewhere will have a wig made, making them feel just that little bit better about themselves during their tough fight, the sooner the money can go to a worthy cause!

Thank you for reading, and thank you in anticipation of donations.