When she donates her hair to the Little Princess Trust this month, six-year-old Ayla will be continuing a family tradition – becoming the third of the Harris clan to get the chop for charity.
Ayla Harris has been “determined” to donate her hair since the age of four.
Before her, Ayla’s mum Jo Harris and her sister Adelyne (now aged eight) have both donated their hair to the charity – which creates wigs for children and young people who lose their hair either due to cancer or other conditions like alopecia.
Jo said she was originally inspired by colleagues and donated her hair in 2016, while she was pregnant with Adelyne.
“I actually did it in the branch, in front of all customers and colleagues. I actually got a bit emotional.
“Then I let it grow again and did it in 2022. Adelyne saw me do that one, and she decided that she wanted to do it as well.
“Ayla’s hair wasn’t as long. She wanted to do it too, but I said to her: ‘you need to let your hair grow’.”
After the summer holidays – spent learning Portuguese and swimming – they are hoping Ayla’s hair will be 12 inches long – the length preferred by the Little Princess Trust.
Each time, the family have raised funds not just online, but also with bake sales and Adelyne is planning on buying a Nutella cookie from her sister.
The girls also donate their clothes when they outgrow them and Adelyne is plotting ways to supply water to Africa when she is older.
When she first donated her hair, Adelyne rallied friends, teachers and family to donate to her fundraiser. She brought a copy of the Jersey Evening Post to school for show and tell.
She remembered how her haircut was done in around 20 minutes, despite having to tie the hair into bubbles to keep it in shape.
“I did it because I wanted to follow in my mum’s footsteps and I wanted to help children in need,” she said.
Ayla is planning on taking a Little Princess Trust poster into school when term starts again.
The family haven’t decided on an exact date for Ayla’s hair cut, but are hoping that it will take place later this month.
In the meantime, Adelyne is growing out her hair for a second donation, while Jo is eyeing up a new donation in a year or so.
DONATE…
You can donate to Ayla’s fundraiser on JustGiving.