On the 7th of October, I will be cutting off my hair in solidarity with my brave little girl, Isla. I am donating my hair and the cost of a professional wig fitting to The Little Princess Trust (https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/)and raising vital funds for LATNEM (https://latnem.org/)

Isla first lost her hair at age six, three years ago in 2023. Since then, it has been a cycle of growing back and falling out again. She has now lost her hair completely, along with her eyebrows and eyelashes.

The Little Princess Trust provides real hair wigs for children experiencing hair loss due to alopecia or cancer. They have been a wonderful support to us, even giving Isla the opportunity to try a wig. After trying them on, Isla decided she wouldn't wear one, and has said, "I am just happy how I am." Seeing her self-confidence and bravery leaves me bursting with pride as a mum. Knowing that option was open to her and having that support made all the difference, and because the trust relies on real hair donations, I want to do my bit to give back.

Isla along with my wonderful hairdresser, Jordan at Sass in Insch, will be cutting my hair on the day. When Isla was first losing her hair and it was all different lengths, Jordan was so kind and supportive, cutting it nicely and listening carefully to exactly what Isla wanted. Having someone so understanding meant the world to us.

I honestly wouldn't have made it through that time without LATNEM’s support. I was in a really difficult place, feeling helpless, overwhelmed and consumed by worry. At a LATNEM meeting shortly after Isla's diagnosis, I sat and cried. Finding that peer support, being surrounded by other mums who all just want to make things right for our little ones when we sometimes can't, was exactly what I needed. I didn’t feel alone; it was a place where I could share the burden without feeling like I was passing that heavy weight onto someone else.

If you are able to donate, even just a small amount, it would mean the world to me. Thank you so much for your generosity and support.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.