They say a woman’s hair is her crowning glory, but one young fund-raiser has chosen to donate hers to less fortunate girls.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Effie Cole, nine, from Bardwell, has donated almost 10 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.Effie Cole, nine, from Bardwell, has donated almost 10 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust. (Image: Archant)

Effie Cole, seven, had been growing her brunette locks for most of her life when she made the decision to donate some of it to the Little Princess Trust, which provides wigs for children who suffer hair loss from cancer treatment.

The Barnham Primary School pupil went to Silver Scissors salon in Brandon to have her charity cut. As well as donating 9.5 inches of her hair, she has also raised £540 for the charity.

Her mother Nyssa Cole said: “I’m really proud of her. Obviously you love your child and you don’t think it can get any better, but when we came away from the salon I felt an enormous sense of pride.

“She has grown up into this little lady with her own strong mind and the confidence to do this off her own back.”

Thetford & Brandon Times: Effie Cole, nine, from Bardwell, has donated almost 10 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust.Effie Cole, nine, from Bardwell, has donated almost 10 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust. (Image: Archant)

Mrs Cole said her daughter was a “typical little girl” who had always wanted long hair.

“When she said she wanted it cut, I said to her you’ve been growing it all your life, you’re not cutting it, but she said she wanted to donate it to charity.”

Mrs Cole said the family, from Bardwell, went to a wedding earlier this month and Effie had asked other guests for donations, as well as asking at her school.

The hairdressers at Silver Scissors had been collecting money from customers and donating their tips for Effie’s appeal, and gave her her haircut on Saturday for free.

“Effie just said it felt really weird because she’s always had long hair, but she has been absolutely fine,” said Mrs Cole.

“She’s been very humble about it, when people tell her what she’s done is really brave, she doesn’t see what’s so special about it.”

Effie’s five-year-old sister Tilly, whose hair reaches past her waist, was also asked if she wanted to donate her locks but told her parents “no way”.

Mrs Cole said: “It’s funny to see the difference between the two of them. Effie is happy to do anything for anyone.”