For over a year, nine-year-old Izabella, fondly known as Bella, Thompson has been growing her hair with a specific purpose in mind – to donate it for a worthy cause. In an act of remarkable kindness, Bella’s long locks will be transformed into a wig for the Dunedin-based Freedom Wigs.
Supported by her proud parents and school, Bella’s decision has not only contributed her hair but has also raised over $1000 for Auckland’s Starship children’s hospital, benefiting those in need.
In a touching moment at midday on a Thursday, Bella sat in the hairdresser’s chair and observed as her two plaits were cut off, leaving her with only inches of hair but a radiant smile on her face. Expressing her feelings, she said, “I’m feeling really happy that I’m giving other people the chance to be just like me.” When asked if she felt nervous, Bella shook her head and excitedly shared her emotions.
Bella’s parents, Hana and Mitch, were in attendance, beaming with pride. Hana, discussing Bella’s altruism, explained that the desire to help others is deeply rooted in the family. Her mother’s family has a long history of charity work, primarily with Auckland City Mission, and her father, Mitch, founded the Men Tall Health Club Charitable Trust.
Bella’s decision to help others is consistent with her previous selfless acts. For her eighth birthday, instead of presents, she requested cat and dog food to donate to the SPCA. “She just likes helping people,” said Hana.
According to her dad, Mitch, Bella was inspired to donate her hair for a wig after seeing a family member do the same in England. Hana discovered Freedom Wigs through a colleague with alopecia, and Bella has been growing her hair for approximately 18 months in preparation.
Following the haircut, Bella made her way to Hurupaki Primary School for their assembly, where the principal, Danny Clarkson, shared the reason behind the school’s mufti day. He revealed that the school had raised $568 through student donations for the cause. Photos of Bella’s hair were displayed on a slideshow, leaving the entire school in awe of the length of her hair as it lay atop a zip-lock bag.
As Bella’s hair embarks on its journey to Freedom Wigs in Dunedin in the zip-lock bag, the over $1000 raised through her initiative and the school’s mufti day will be donated to Starship, contributing to a noble cause.
