A NINE-year-old girl from Alcester has had her long hair cut off to help children with life-threatening illnesses.
Sophia Esler was very nervous about having a whopping 15 inches cut off her hair on Thursday July 7, but wanted to do it to help youngsters who have lost their hair through illnesses like cancer.
Sofia has so far raised more than £800 in sponsorship, which will be donated to Warwick-based charity Molly Ollys – while her hair will be given to the Little Princess Trust so they can make wigs for children who have lost their hair.
Sophia’s mum Annie volunteers for Molly Ollys.
She told the Observer: “Sophia has been to charity events with me. She wants to help children less fortunate than her and this is her way of doing that. She was scared as she has never had short hair, but she is hoping she will like it shorter for the summer.”
While Sophia said: “My friends were all shocked that I was doing this as I have always had long hair, but I want to help children less fortunate than me. I think Molly Ollys is amazing because the charity makes wishes come true for children who have been very unwell.”
Sophia’s original fundraising target was £500, which is the average cost of a wish that Molly Ollys delivers for a child. The wishes can be anything from a climbing frame to an iPad, a day trip or Amazon vouchers.
The founder of Molly Ollys, Rachel Ollerenshaw, added: “I am very proud of Sophia. For her to have raised more than £800 is just fabulous. This money will make such a difference to the children we support. Sophia is helping to make the dark days brighter for families facing the most terrifying health challenges. Thank you very much.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sophiaesler to donate to Sophia’s fundraising page.
