St Alban’s pupil donates hair to charity

It was time for the chop, when a caring pupil at St Alban’s Catholic Primary in Newcastle decided to donate 12 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust charity.

Rosalie Embleton, who is in Year 6 at the school, had been growing her trademark long tresses since she was a toddler, but wanted to help children and young people who had lost their hair.

Her mother, Tamsin Embleton, explained: “I had heard of people donating their hair to the Little Princess Trust in the past, so I’d always had it in the back of my mind that Rosie might want to do this one day, and donate to this charity specifically.

“She wanted to have a bit of a haircut, and I suggested that she consider cutting more than she intended to, so it could be donated to help another little girl or boy.

“My cousin lost her hair last year due to cancer treatment, and I know how valuable her wig was to her. It was completely Rosie’s decision, though, once she knew about the charity and its purpose.”

As well as having 12 inches of her 29-inch-long hair cut off, the 10-year-old raised all the money necessary for the donated hair to be made into a wig by the charity.

“Once Rosie had decided to do it, we found out that it costs around £700 for the hair to be made into a wig and styled and fitted,” said Mrs Embleton. “So we decided to make it into a sponsored hair cut to try to cover some of the costs.

“I had imagined she might raise £100 to £200, with it being just after Christmas, but everyone was extremely generous, and she raised the full £700. Fifty-two people sponsored her, from her family, family friends, parents’ work colleagues, to staff at her school. We are so grateful to everyone.”

Rosie’s two brothers even used some of their Christmas money to sponsor their sister, while hairdresser Kelly Patterson-Cook of KPC Hair, who cut and styled Rosie’s hair, lent her support by providing her services for free.

“Rosie’s hair has been sent off to be made into a wig for another child or young person who has lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other conditions,” continued Mrs Embleton.

“In all honesty, despite it being my idea at first, I did have slightly mixed feelings about it, as she is well known for her long hair, and has had it for so long – but I am so proud of her, and the fact that she is helping give confidence and dignity to another child or young person.”

“Rosie is an inspirational pupil, who has wanted to do this for a long time,” added St Alban’s Headteacher, Ciara Yeoman.

“We are exceptionally proud of Rosie and her achievements. As a school, we truly value what she has accomplished, and her ability to help others.