In an extraordinary act of compassion, a soon-to-be bride is set to make a bold statement by donating a significant portion of her hair immediately after her wedding. While it may appear unconventional for a newlywed to take such a drastic step, there’s a profound motivation behind this decision.
As a journalist, she has had the privilege of documenting the stories that shape people’s lives, both their triumphs and tribulations. Among the many poignant narratives she has covered, one issue has continually drawn her attention—childhood cancer.
Childhood cancer remains a pressing concern, and addressing it requires extensive research and support. In the United Kingdom, one organization that has been at the forefront of this battle is the Little Princess Trust. Since 2016, this charity has been instrumental in funding over 100 clinical trials and projects aimed at combating childhood cancer.
However, the genesis of this remarkable organization is rooted in a heart-wrenching story. The Little Princess Trust was founded by the parents of Hannah Tarplee, in collaboration with their friends and Hereford Cathedral Junior School. In 2004, five-year-old Hannah was diagnosed with a Wilms tumor. The loss of her beloved hair during her treatment was a traumatic experience. Hannah’s parents, Wendy and Simon, embarked on a tireless search for a suitable wig, and when they finally found one, it had a profoundly positive impact on their daughter.
Tragically, Hannah passed away in 2005. In the face of numerous offers of financial and practical assistance, her parents felt that the most fitting tribute would be to establish a charity dedicated to providing real hair wigs for children and young people. Thus, The Little Princess Trust came into being.
Since its inception, The Little Princess Trust has distributed thousands of real hair wigs and contributed over £23 million to support more than 128 projects addressing all forms of childhood cancers. The dedication and impact of this organization are hard to ignore.
The journalist’s personal connection to cancer made this endeavor all the more meaningful. When her fiancé proposed two-and-a-half years ago, she resolved to grow her hair for the big day. As her hair continued to lengthen, the decision to donate it became increasingly evident.
Cancer has touched the lives of nearly everyone, including the journalist, who endured her own cancer journey. Moreover, she lost her cousin to leukemia in 1995 when her cousin was just five years old. Reflecting on the past, she imagines how transformative it would have been if the Little Princess Trust had existed back then.
In Norfolk, countless inspirational stories have emerged, underscoring the profound impact of this organization. Carly Gorton, from Southburgh near Hingham, made headlines in 2021 when she won the Overall Star Award at the Starts of Norfolk and Waveney Awards. Carly led the Little Princess Trust in crafting its first wig from afro hair, a feat once considered nearly impossible. To achieve this, she found a willing collaborator in the United States and bravely shaved her own hair. The experiment proved successful, and the wig was donated to a child battling cancer.
As she walks down the aisle on her wedding day, her hair cascading gracefully, the journalist takes pride in knowing that in a few days, a substantial portion of it—approximately 30cm (12 inches)—will go toward making a difference in a child or young person’s life. The creation of a single wig costs an average of £700, covering the entire process from making and fitting to styling.
In closing, she extends an appeal to others, urging them to join her in supporting this noble cause by contributing to the Little Princess Trust’s mission. In doing so, she hopes to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those battling childhood cancer, one lock of hair at a time.
