A Cut Above: Play Specialist donates hair to help children with cancer

A Children’s Play Specialist has made a heartfelt gesture to support children living with cancer. Holly, a Play Specialist and a member of the Kaleidoscope team in the INW Division, shaved off her long blonde hair to donate it to The Little Princess Trust - a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

Holly’s decision was inspired by the close working relationship the Kaleidoscope Team has built with The Little Princess Trust. Many of the children and families supported by the team face financial hardship, and with wigs costing up to £800, access to free, high-quality hairpieces can make a world of difference.

Speaking about her decision, Holly said:

"Its something I've always wanted to do. I work very closely with children who have been affected negatively after losing their hair to treatment and illness.

"For these children who have lost their hair have someone they work with look like them, it allows them to feel “normal” and not so different to everyone else.

"I dyed it pink after shaving it because one of my patients favourite colour is pink and seeing her reaction to my hair just made it all worthwhile."

One of the many families to benefit from The Little Princess Trust is that of Jenny Wick, Westminster Community Matrons and Frailty lead whose son underwent cancer treatment:

"A huge thank you to Holly for her support for Little Princess Trust who's work ensures that teenage and young adults going through cancer can feel a bit more normal at one of the hardest times in their lives.  My son benefited from one of their wigs whilst undergoing treatment for osteosarcoma."

Through their collaboration with The Little Princess Trust, the Kaleidoscope Team ensures that children under their care can access wigs free of charge - removing a significant financial barrier for families already facing unimaginable challenges.

Wendy Tarplee-Morris the founder of The Little Princess Trust, expressed gratitude for Holly’s donation:

“We are very grateful to Holly for her kind donation. We rely on the generosity of some very special people to make our wigs for children and so I would like to say a huge thank you to Holly for her wonderful support."

The Trust is proud to celebrate compassionate staff like Holly, whose actions continue to demonstrate the power of kindness and community in healthcare.

To find out more about The Little Princess charity you can visit their website.