THIRTEEN year old Brody Partridge had her first ever haircut recently, chopping off 27 inches and raising £553.76 for the Little Princess Trust.

Brody, whose golden tresses had seen her compared to a ‘real-life Rapunzel’ before having it chopped at Candy’s Hair Salon, Bridge Street, has now donated the hair and proceeds to the Hereford-based charity. With donations such as Brody’s, the charity provides free, real hair wigs to children who have lost their own through cancer treatments and other illnesses.

Brody, a Year 8 student at Weobley High School, is delighted that she has been able to provide a comfort for children suffering with illnesses.

Of her decision to support the Little Princess Trust, Brody said: ‘Having never had my hair cut in 13 years, I didn’t want it all to go to waste. By donating my hair I was able to help other people at the same time, and also raise money for the charity.’

Nicola Partridge, Brody’s mum, said: ‘I had not previously heard of the trust, so I was surprised when Brody came to me with her idea. It’s a very different look for her, but I am so proud of her and the incredible amount she has raised for the charity.’

Though it has been a big change for Brody, who is now wearing her hair short, she remains delighted with her decision. She said: ‘I love my new look and I definitely don’t have any regrets about having it cut. I’m very happy that my hair will now be used to provide wigs for children who might need them.’

The Little Princess Trust are a registered charity based in Hereford. In addition to providing free wigs to children who have lost their hair, the Little Princess Trust use donations such as Brody’s to fund research into childhood cancers and the development of less aggressive treatments, in partnership with the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group.