Two girls in Hunterville learned about community care when they cut their hair for cancer and Arohanui Hospice, in February.
Kaitlin Ramsay, 10, and Nellie Harvey, 9, decided about two years ago to grow their hair long enough so when it was cut, it could be made into wigs for cancer sufferers who had lost their hair during treatment.
Nellie’s mother Bridget Harvey wasn’t sure where the idea first came from, but both families have had close relatives affected by cancer, and both Kaitlin’s grandmothers volunteer at Feilding’s Arohanui Hospice shop.
“So, they decided to grow their hair, and have it cut for wigs.”
The families Googled information about wigs, and found Dunedin’s Freedom Wigs, and that hair for wigs needs to be a minimum of 14 and a half inches long. It also needs to be completely free of hairdresser treatments such as colouring or perming.
So the hair grew. And grew. And grew, until finally, on February 15, after a triumphant measuring that showed both lengths had reached 15 inches, Taihape hairdresser Dee Donald cut the hair. It’s a careful process, none of the cut hair can touch the floor, and the long cut locks have to specially boxed so the hair doesn’t muss.
Such beautiful hair, but such a good cause.
Bridget admitted she’d half-expected tears over the cutting, but the girls were both ear-to-ear grins. They’re now sporting stylish bobs, easy-care and so simple for swimming.
It didn’t end there. Both families were absolutely rapt at the way the Hunterville community swung in and supported the girls through the Givealittle fundraiser.
“They’ve learned that when you care, when you do something to help the community, the community appreciates it, and helps as well,” Bridget says. “They’re big-hearted kids, but I’d like to give a massive thank you to everyone who has supported the girls, and the Hospice.”
That community help ripples right through the region, and the country, when people help the Hospice.
