A HAIRCUT is pretty run-of-the-mill for most people, but for a woman from Southmoor a few snips will lay waste to five years of work.

Helen Redfern, 42, of Cherry Tree Close, is to shave off her hair and donate the locks to the Little Princess Trust.

The children’s cancer charity will use the hair to make a wig for a child who has lost their hair from cancer treatment.

Ms Redfern is also aiming to raise £500 for Cancer Research UK through sponsorship for the trim.

The mother-of-two said: “I’ve seen programmes where children have lost their hair and I just felt so sorry for them. Cancer’s a horrible disease.”

Ms Redfern said: “I know kids can be cruel. I hope my hair will give them some self-esteem back.”

She added: “I thought it would be a good opportunity to raise funds for Cancer Research UK as well.

“My family’s been affected by cancer in many different ways.”

Ms Redfern, who set out five years ago to grow her hair for the charity, is looking forward to getting it chopped off.

She said: “I can’t stand my hair the way it is.

“I’ve always had my hair short – I like it shoulder length, so that I can just tie it up off my face.

“But it’s more than half way down my back now and it’s getting very knotty.”

To be donated to the Little Princess Trust hair needs to be at least 10 inches long, less than 10 years old and in good condition.

Ms Redfern is using hair spray and mousse to keep her hair in shape until the big day.

It will be shaved off at the Aquarius Hair Studio, in Southmoor, on Monday, June 6, at 9am.

The event will also feature a fundraising raffle, with prizes donated by Oxfordshire businesses.

Prizes include a family pass to Blenheim Palace, two tickets to the Oxford Playhouse and a case of 12 Fabulous Bakin’ Boys muffins.

  • To sponsor Ms Redfern, visit justgiving.com/ helenredfern01003