Boston-area girl marks fifth birthday by donating hair to charity, raising £1,000-plus in support of its work

Bonnie Batey, of Kirton, donated 12-14 inches of her hair to The Little Princess Trust through the trim last month.

The Little Princess Trust provides free real hair wigs to children and young people up to the age of 24, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

It also funds childhood cancer research searching to find kinder and more effective treatments.

In addition to the donation of hair, the cut raised more than £1,000 for The Little Princess Trust through a JustGiving page.

Speaking about how the charity effort came about, mum Lauren Hinchley said: “Before Christmas, Bonnie decided she wanted her hair cut short and wanted to donate the rest of her hair, so other little girls and boys could have a pretty wig made out of her hair.

“We have a family friend whose daughter was born with liver cancer and subsequently lost all her hair growing up during treatment. Because of this, Bonnie was fully aware of how diseases could make you lose your hair and how sad other children would be if they couldn’t put pretty bows or bobbles in their hair.”

“I was shocked when Bonnie approached me and told me what she wanted to do,” she continued. “It was a lovely thing for her to suggest. We first hoped to raise £250, but to receive over four times that amount was absolutely incredible.

“Bonnie would jump around the front room all excited when the donations came in. We are so proud of her.

“When Leanne (owner of Olivia’s Hair) started to cut it I was so nervous, but it looks amazing and she really suits the short hair.”

Speaking of her fundraising, Bonnie said: “I wanted to cut my hair short, so other little girls can have pretty long hair like I did.”

When asked if she liked her new hair, she said: “It’s my favourite haircut and I really like it.”