Lottie hopes to raise cash with cuts

SISTER Millie holds Lottie's hair before the cut

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AN "inspirational" nine-year-old girl has had more than 17 inches of hair chopped off for charity.

Lottie Walsh, from Royton, told her mum she wanted to raise just £20 for the Little Princess Trust by having her long brunette locks cut off.

But generous supporters have so far helped to raise £1,390 for the charity who make real-hair wigs for children suffering with cancer.

Mum Zowie Walsh said: "I asked if she would like to donate her hair and was quite taken aback when she said yes.

"I think she is doing a fantastic thing. Originally Lottie set a £20 fundraising target but then decided to try for £100.

"It is amazing that she has now raised more than £1,300 and we still have donations coming in."

Mum and daughter were inspired to fundraise after hearing about a girl who was told just before Christmas that she had tumours on both kidneys.

Kind-hearted family and friends are continuing to donate to the cause via a Just Giving page which has reached £1,390.

One supporter posted: "How very brave and such a fab thing to do."

Another said: "Amazing! Such an inspiration."

Royton Hall Primary School pupil Lottie took the decision to have her hair cut before Christmas but as soon as her mum suggested fundraising she got behind the idea.

She had her locks chopped off at Chadderton hairdressers Solace in Middleton Road on Wednesday afternoon.

Mrs Walsh said: "Lottie said she was a little bit nervous about having all her hair cut off but said it will grow back and when it does she may have it cut off again for the Little Princess Trust.

"She shows a lot of empathy for others.

"Both me and her dad are really proud of her for her kind gesture and are overwhelmed by the generosity of all the people who have donated. We never imagined that she would have raised as much as she has, especially in such a short space of time."

Proud grandad Jack Ball posted a video of Lottie on social media in which she appeals to residents to support her feat.

Lottie said in the video: "I am talking to you in the hope that you'll be kind enough to sponsor me.

"I have decided to have at least 12 inches cut off my hair.

"I will donate this and your kind donations to the Little Princess Trust to help make real hair wigs for children suffering from cancer.

"Please help me to help others. Thank you."

Mr Ball said: "I'm absolutely over the moon with the response we've had on Facebook and Twitter. I couldn't be more proud of Lottie."

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lottieshaircut.