A SCHOOLBOY from Northwich has donated his hair to a charity helping children who are living with cancer.

Yashasva Sharma, from Winnington Avenue, has been growing his hair for almost a year and a half so he could donate to the Little Princess Trust charity.

The Davenham CofE School pupil decided to be associated with the charity off his own back.

His mother, Pooja Sharma, said: “A few months ago, Yashasva was accompanying me to a hair salon when he started randomly flipping some magazines and saw a picture of kids suffering hair loss due to cancer. The article had information about the Little Princess Trust and he innocently asked the reason of their hair loss.”

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The Little Princess Trust gives away real-hair wigs to children that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other illnesses.

Pooja added: “When I told him the reason they lost their hair, due to chemotherapy treatment, then he shared his intention of donating his hair to help the kids in his own little way. I was completely touched by his pure emotion.”

The eight-year-old had his hair cut at Knutsford’s Dads & Lads Barbers, in Canute Place, once his hair length was appropriate for donation.

Updated guidelines say that any hair being donated must be in good condition, clean, dry and at least 17cm in length.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: "We are always particularly touched to hear about boys who have decided to grow their hair and donate it to the Trust.

"A huge heart-felt thank you goes out to Yashava for his donation, which will help raise awareness of our plight to provide real-hair wigs for children and young adults who have lost their hair as a result of cancer or other medical conditions, and perhaps his actions will inspire other to do the same.

"Every day we receive letters and emails from families that we have helped and it is thanks to donors like Yashava that we are able to provide this invaluable service."

To donate hair, follow the guidelines and information found on littleprincesses.org.uk/donate-hair.