Downham Market youngster to lose 40cm of locks for Hope for Heather appeal

A seven-year-old girl from Downham is set to lose about 40cm of hair later this month to support a fellow resident of the town.

Lily-May Carpenter has wanted to lose her locks for charity the Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs for children and young people with hair loss, for a couple of years.

But, back when she was five-years-old, her mum Faye thought she was a bit young to say goodbye to that much of her hair.

Two years later, and Lily-May has been inspired to not only support the Little Princess Trust, but also to raise funds for Heather Bellamy, who has a rare type of leukaemia.

The appeal to support Heather is aiming to raise £250,000 to get her the life-saving treatment she needs in America.

Mrs Carpenter said her daughter, a pupil at Wimbotsham and Stow Academy, came home from school one day expressing her wish to support Heather by having her hair cut.

“I thought actually it would tie in quite nicely with her donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust.”

Although the family do not know Heather personally, Mrs Carpenter said Lily-May’s school has previously held fundraising events.

“I’m very proud, it’s something she wants to do and it’s for a brilliant cause,” Mrs Carpenter said.

Since the appeal launched in January, residents have been rallying round to support Heather, with numerous events held including a fundraising coffee morning at the town hall on March 23.

Mrs Carpenter added: “As a community I think Downham has really come together.”

Lily-May will have her hair cut at a salon in the town on Saturday, April 27.

To support Lily-May’s fundraising, visit www.gofundme.com/lilymays-hair-cut-for-heather.