Maidenhead boy, 7, sports new look after donating 12 inches of hair to charity

A seven-year-old boy from Maidenhead has made a big change to his look for a charitable cause.

Elliot Little has donated 12 inches (30cm) of his long hair to The Little Princess Trust to help provide wigs for children and young people experiencing hair loss.

The Woodlands Park Primary School pupil had never had his hair cut before apart from an undercut, and had always loved wearing it long, like his sisters. However, Elliot recently decided it was time for a new look.

His mother, Abby, said he wanted to cut his hair partly because some people often mistook him for a girl, but also because he now wanted to try having short hair.

Rather than simply throwing away the hair, Elliot wanted it to go to good use.

“He thought it would be a bad thing just to throw out all that hair,” she said. “He wanted to see if people would give money to a charity if he cut it off.”

After learning that The Little Princess Trust uses donated hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment and other conditions, Elliot was delighted to help.

“I explained to him what the charity does, and he thought it was a great idea,” Abby added.

“His oldest sister has a disability, so he is very attuned to helping others.”

Elliot’s hair was cut at home on Thursday, January 29, by Megan Turner, who runs her own mobile hairdressing business.

The hair was cut in one large bunch that measured an impressive 12 inches.

Friends and family were amazed by the transformation, describing Elliot as ‘very brave’ and saying they were proud of him for donating his hair to help another child.

Many commented that he looked older and ‘very handsome’ after the cut.

The Maidenhead community showed its support by donating to the fundraising effort and praising Elliot for his generosity.

Elliot’s family is now hoping to raise the £700 needed to turn his donated hair into a wig and has already raised £165.

Woodlands Park Primary School also backed Elliot’s efforts, presenting him with a certificate during assembly and recognising him as a role model for other pupils.

“We would just like to say thank you all,” said Elliot.

“My friend Oliver was excited to see my new haircut. My friends have given money to help. My teachers were happy I donated my hair, and they were proud of me – they didn’t know who I was.”

The Little Princess Trust provides free wigs to help restore confidence to children and young people who experience hair loss up to the age of 24.

The charity covers all costs, including making, fitting and styling every wig, and also funds childhood cancer research to support the development of more effective treatments.

To support Elliot, visit www.tinyurl.com/yn593shk