Two young girls, who met playing football at Walworth FC, have cut off their hair and donated it to a charity that makes wigs for kids with cancer.
Leyla-Mae Kemal, 12, and Nikki Young, 11, had the big chop today (Monday 23 October) which saw them each shed around fourteen inches from their long locks.
Rebecca Cox, Leyla-Mae’s mum, said the idea first came about when they heard about Little Princess Trust – a charity that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair after undergoing chemotherapy.
“She wanted to help someone who has been through something,” Rebecca, who lives in Walworth, told us. “Leyla-Mae has really long hair and said she couldn’t imagine how these children feel when they lose theirs.”
She said Leyla-Mae shared her idea with her friend, Nikki and the pair agreed to do it together, whilst raising money for the charity as well.
Nikki’s mum, Kerry Lee, said: “Nikki’s held on to long hair for as long as possible. I didn’t think she’d want to so I was surprised at first but she decided it was the best reason to do it.”
They set up a fundraising page and have raised over £600 so far. The charity gives out the wigs for free and each one costs £500 to make, so the girls are aiming to raise as much as possible.
Rebecca told us the girls met two and a half years ago at football, playing for Walworth FC, and have been ‘inseparable’ ever since.
“They bring out the best in each other and the club has brought out their confidence,” she said. “Both of them want to be Lionesses when they grow up.”
Following the double haircut, Rebecca commented: “They were a bit shocked at first – but they’re excited to go back to school and show everyone their new bobs.
“It was a really nice moment. I think it should be something that is encouraged.”
The girls are currently in the London Girls’ Cup and the Tandridge League with their football team.
Rebecca said: “I’m just really proud of her. She’s a very kind and sensitive girl – I’m proud that she knows the reason behind it and wants to help other people.”
They added that Nikki’s big sister Chelsea, and Leyla’s sister, Leah-Jae have been their’ biggest supporters’ throughout.
For more information on the Little Princess Trust and how you can get involved, go to their website https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk