Kelly O’Donnell, Admin at Merlin Court Care Home in Marlborough, has raised almost £1,200 for The Little Princess Trust after donating her waist-length hair in a special charity event held on Tuesday 15th April 2025.
Kelly had been growing her hair since she was seven years old, and before her dramatic cut, it measured an impressive two and a half feet. She had 24 inches cut off yesterday, leaving her with hair just past her shoulders.
“I’ve been thinking about doing something like this for a while,” said Kelly. “I’ve seen the amazing work The Little Princess Trust does, and I wanted to be part of something that could make a real difference.”
Yesterday’s event exceeded expectations, with Kelly’s fundraising efforts bringing in nearly double her original target.
Kelly had initially set out to raise £700, the amount needed to create one wig. However, thanks to the generosity of donors, she has now raised close to £1,200, almost enough to provide two wigs for children who have lost their hair.
“Raising enough to provide two wigs is just incredible,” Kelly added.
Her luscious locks will be donated to The Little Princess Trust, a UK charity that provides real-hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment or other medical conditions. The charity also funds vital childhood cancer research.
Kelly’s big chop was a team effort, with Kelly’s ten-year-old daughter Mia, Senior Care Assistant Babs Rogers, and residents Christine Daniels, 85, and Margaret Loran, 97, all helping to cut her hair.
Under the supervision of professional hairdresser Michelle, each took a turn with the scissors in front of the residents, staff, and family members who gathered to cheer Kelly on.
Christine, one of the residents who helped cut Kelly’s hair, shared her admiration for Kelly’s courage.
“It’s such a huge thing to do, and for such a good cause,” said Christine. “Not many people would be brave enough to do this. Kelly’s really made a difference.”
Kelly’s daughter Mia added, “I’m so proud of Mum for doing something so selfless. Maybe now, she’ll even go swimming with me on our holiday to Corfu! She was too scared to get her hair wet before!”
Kelly finished by saying, “I’m honestly still adjusting to the short hair! It was a little nerve-wracking at first, especially after having long hair for so many years, but it feels so freeing. Having the residents, Babs, and Mia take part in the cut made it even more special. It was emotional, but knowing I was doing something for such a worthy cause made it all worth it. The thought of helping children who have lost their hair and supporting vital research makes the whole experience even more meaningful.”
Merlin Court Care Home, part of the Avery Healthcare group, is known for its strong community spirit and dedication to supporting local causes.
The event not only raised vital funds for a charity but also brought together the home’s residents, staff, and families for a shared purpose.
Donations are still being accepted through Kelly’s JustGiving page. To donate, click here. All funds raised will go directly to supporting The Little Princess Trust.
To find out more about Merlin Court Care Home, call 01672 512454 or visit www.averyhealthcare.co.uk
