A FUNDRAISING youngster has had her long dark locks cut to raise awareness of cancer amongst children.

Megan Mansfield, nine, from Stanford-le-Hope, had ten inches cut off her hair in a bid to bring in donations for the Little Princess Trust.

Megan recently discovered the charity and decided she would like to help as she felt awful that children who have suffered cancer treatment and alopecia also had to suffer losing their hair.

On Friday, July 5, Megan’s hair was chopped and to this point she has raised £885 through sponsorship and a cake sale, with the total still rising.

Megan, from Valmar Avenue, who decided to take up the challenge without any say from her parents, said: “I was a bit nervous before I had it cut but I am really glad I did it.

“My friends went ‘oh my God’, but at least it is all going to a good cause.

“It feels different and I don’t think I will keep it like this. It could be worse.”

Megan’s family and friends gathered to support her as her hair went under the scissors.

The Little Princess Trust is set up to provide real-hair wigs to children suffering with an illness free of charge; this costs the charity £350 to supply and fit each wig.

Dad Barry Mansfield said: “The generosity shown has amazed both us and Megan and she was over the moon that this will allow the charity to now provide 2 wigs.

“It goes without saying that we are very proud of our little girl.”

Megan’s JustGiving page can be found at www.justgiving.com/Megan-Mansfield1