Olivia Marr’s long, golden locks were always her pride and joy.
So the selfless seven-year-old shocked her family and friends when she told them she wanted to chop them all off.
The north-east schoolgirl had a massive 12-and-a-half inches cut off her tresses to raise as much money as possible for children battling cancer.
Olivia, from Longside, had aimed to raise about £100 for the Little Princess Trust after revealing her challenge, but in less than a week she had already exceeded her target.
In the end, she raised £1,400 which will allow the charity to purchase four new wigs for children undergoing treatment.
Olivia’s own hair will also be made into a wig.
The Little Princess Trust provides wigs – free of charge – to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment and other illnesses.
It was set up in 2006 by the parents of Hereford youngster, Hannah Tarplee – the “original Little Princess” – who was diagnosed with a Wilms tumour.
After she lost her battle Wendy and Simon Tarplee decided the most fitting way to remember her was to launch a charity dedicated to providing specialist real hair to youngsters in need.
The trust relies solely on the efforts of enthusiastic fund-raisers, such as Olivia.
Her mother, Wendy, who works in Peterhead as managing director of Genesis Personnel, said it was entirely her daughter’s decision to part with her hair.
“Olivia has had lovely long golden locks since she was little, so you can imagine my surprise when she decided to chop it off for charity,” she said.
“Cutting your hair when you are a child is always a big deal, but for Olivia, it was a bold decision with an unexpected outcome, and I am extremely proud of her.
“The Little Princess Trust does an amazing job for the young children suffering from cancer and I’m very proud that my daughter put herself forward for such a heart-felt and brave challenge for a young girl of her age.”
Mrs Marr also thanked those who had donated so much money in such a short space of time.
“I’m astounded at the amount of support we have had from family, friends, local businesses and employees of Genesis Personnel – everyone has been very generous and I can’t believe we exceeded our target 14 times over,” she said.
Monica Glass, charity manager of The Little Princess Trust, said Olivia was an “amazing little girl”.
“Everyone at the charity is so impressed with Olivia as she has helped a total of five poorly children,” she said.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of her supporters, four real hair wigs can be purchased, with her lovely long donation of hair contributing to the manufacture of an additional wig for a further child. Quite an achievement at seven.
“On behalf of all of the boys and girls that the trust assists, thank you Olivia.”