A schoolgirl from Cogan, Penarth, has donated 16 inches of her hair to a charity which makes real hair wigs for children with hair loss.

Olivia Jones, aged 9, was inspired to ‘change little girl’s lives’ when she read about the Little Princess Trust online.

The Little Princess Trust makes real hair wigs for children and young people who have lost their hair because of cancer treatment and other conditions.

It was established in 2006 by the parents of Hannah Tarplee, a girl who passed away after being diagnosed with a tumour.

Four years ago, Olivia, who studies at Cogan Primary School, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Poretti-Boltshauser Syndrome, which has led to learning difficulties and mobility issues.

“Olivia’s got quite a big part of her brain missing,” explained Olivia’s mother, Jessica, 35.

“That affects her mobility, she’s got some problems with her eyes. So, she goes to a mainstream school and gets one on one support.

“Her condition affects one in 3,000 people in the world.”

During a fundraiser on Sunday February 16, Olivia cut off 16 inches of her hair and gave a speech to 100 people.

Before it was cut, Olivia's hair reached her waist.

With the help of her parents, Jessica and Andrew, Olivia also raised over £1,700 for the Little Princess Trust – enough to pay for three real hair wigs.

Jessica continued: “Family and friends from Olivia’s school attended – about 100 people. Just on the day we raised £1,300, but with donations we expect to have raised £1,700.”

“There were a lot more people there than we expected. Cogan has a fantastic community spirit. We’re totally overwhelmed by the generosity of everybody.

“Cancer has touched a lot of our hearts through close family and friends. Quite a lot of people close to us are affected by it.”

To find out more about the Little Princess Trust and to donate, visit: https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/

To request a wig, call: 01432 760060.