A STUDENT has shaved off a foot of her locks to make a wig for children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

Hannah Bestwick from Lechlade said everyone had always told her she had beautiful, long hair but that she had never appreciated it herself.

“I actually wanted to cut it short as I’ve never had short hair. My mum has never allowed it; she was quite attached to my hair,” said Hannah.

The 22-year-old zoology student had her hair cut and partially shaved by Shirley at Josh Hairdresser in Fairford last week. She said she was feeling “a bit chilly about the ears” now that most of her mane had gone.

After looking at the Cancer Research website Hannah decided to donate her crowning glory to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which provides wigs free of charge to children who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.

“I’ve raised £350 for the charity to be able to make the wig from my hair,” Hannah said.

“The amount is still going up though and I hope it can cover any other costs for the charity for other wigs.”

Hannah said she felt “liberated” after losing her long locks despite her mother’s misgivings.

“A lot of people said I shouldn’t cut it off but I don’t think they understand how hard it is to have long hair,” she said.

“I wanted to do something good with my hair and actually give it to someone who would appreciate it.”

Visit justgiving.com/hannah-bestwick2 to donate to the cause.