Ashville sisters to shed their locks in sponsored charity hair cut

Published by Ashville College on Thursday 1st of December 2022

Two Harrogate sisters are to shed their locks next week in support of a friend whose cancer fight has resulted in her own hair loss.

On Wednesday (December 7), Holly and Heidi Hair, who have been growing their hair for more than a year, are hoping to raise £2,000 for children’s cancer charity, Candlelighters, by having their 34cm blonde tresses cut to make real-hair wigs.

The pair, both Ashville pupils, are doing this to show solidarity with their friend, Sophia Felgate, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2018, aged just three.

She finished treatment in August 2020, but in November 2021 her parents received the heart-breaking news that her cancer had returned.

As a result of her treatment, Sophia has lost her hair, which is what spurred Holly, seven, and Heidi, five, to raise money in the name of their friend.

Their hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust, which makes real-hair wigs for girls like Sophia, who have suffered hair loss as part of an illness.

The girls’ mum, Daniella, said: “The girls have been friends with Sophia all their lives, and not being able to see her during her treatment was very difficult for them.

“We had to explain that when they could eventually see Sophia, she would be wearing a wig as hair loss was a side-effect of her chemotherapy.

“They were full of questions as to her illness, and both wanted to give Sophia some of their own hair. Like most girls, they are incredibly proud of their hair, so cutting off most of it is a big deal for them. Whilst their hair won’t go to Sophia, and they know this, it will go to help other children.”

Mrs Hair added: “I would like to thank Abbie Law for donating her time and hairdressing skills to ensure the girls’ hair is prepped, cut and collected correctly to ensure every last strand is usable.

“Thank you also to Peter Gotthard's, who I believe are big supporters of the Little Princess Trust and hair donation, for allowing us to use their salon.”

Asa Firth, Head of Ashville Prep School, said: “We are incredibly proud of Holly and Heidi, who are showing incredible kindness by honouring and supporting their friend Sophia.

“As well as donating their hair to the Little Princess Trust, the girls are aiming to raise an amazing sum for Candlelighters, and they are being supported in this by their classmates, friends and family.”
Anyone wishing to contribute Holly and Heidi’s JustGiving page can do so here – Daniella Hair is fundraising for The Candlelighters Trust (justgiving.com)

For more information about Ashville Prep School, please visit www.ashville.co.uk or call 01423 566358.