Director Amanda’s hairoic donation

A wig is much more than just hair

“I’ve had cancer twice and after my first round of chemotherapy around 15 years ago I decided to grow my hair long. I used to have it short before I had cancer but then when I lost it, I decided I didn’t want to cut it. So much so that I had the cold cap when I had my second round of chemo so that I could keep my hair,” she explains.

“The first time I had cancer, I had a wig. Even though I didn’t use it that regularly, having a wig in a similar style to my real hair meant I had the option to ‘put my hair back on’ if I wanted to.

“It really is great for your confidence, and I think it really can help people to feel more normal when their life is anything but.”

Amanda before having her haircut

Going for the chop

“When deciding to get my hair cut last month, I had planned to have 6 or 8 inches off, but my hairdresser, Kellyann, said if I had 12 inches off we could donate it to charity. She didn’t have to try very hard to convince me!

“The Little Princess Trust uses hair donations to make wigs for children undergoing treatment, such as chemo. It takes several people’s hair to make one wig, so they really are grateful for every donation.

“Losing your hair at a time when your image is so important, during your childhood and teenage years, means wigs are even more important.”

Hairdresser Kellyann from Snips 'N' Styles getting ready to cut!

Giving something back

Amanda is part of support groups for people who’ve had cancer or are going through treatment, including a breast cancer dragon boat paddling team.

She’s also keen to raise awareness of the excellent support she had while undergoing treatment and the difference that made at a really difficult time in her life.

She says, “As you go through your life there are times when you need to allow people to support you, and there are times to give. It just felt right to give something at this point.”

Donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust