By Julie McLaughlin
A LOCAL girl has donated her hair to help others.
Tara Rooney, of Annalong, got her long hair cut at the end of June at a local salon so she could donate it to the Little Princess Trust.
Tara attends All Children’s Integrated Primary School in Newcastle where she just finished P5.
The Little Princess Trust is a charity based in England that provides free real hair wigs to children and young people up to the age of 24, who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.
People can donate their hair, which must be at least 25cms in length, to the charity to be used in making wigs. The charity also provides funding for childhood cancer research.
Tara’s mum, Sonya Rooney, said that the whole family, including dad John, brothers Damien and Xavier and her grandmother, are very proud of Tara’s selfless act.
“We are all so proud of Tara. She has such a beautiful heart,” Sonya said.
This was Tara’s first time donating her hair.
Her mum said that Tara decided she wanted to do something to help people affected by cancer, after seeing family and friends deal with it over the years.
“It was all her idea,” Sonya said.
“Tara wanted to do something to help those who need it most.”
“We spoke with Bridgeen King Hairdressing and Hair Loss Specialist. She connected us with The Little Princess Trust and she cut Tara’s hair.”
Sonya said it was a way for Tara to show her care for others.
“She is a really caring, helpful 9-year-old, loves gymnastics, animals and exploring outdoors, just like most 9-year-old kids. She doesn’t like to see anyone suffering, or unwell,” she said.
In addition to donating her hair, Tara has asked people to donate money through her JustGiving page through to 31 July to help two charities – The Little Princess Trust and Marie Curie.
Marie Curie gives palliative care and support to people at the end of their life.
“Tara thought that she could help a young person who might need it by donating her hair, and could also fundraise for the charities who have supported family and friends through their cancer journey,” Sonya said.
Tara’s goal was to raise £1,000, but she has already surpassed it.
So far, she has raised a total of £1,149 – £568 for The Little Princess Trust and £581 for Marie Curie.
Tara likes her new haircut so far.
“She is loving it, but also discovered it is a bit harder to put in a ponytail,” Sonya said.
All Children’s IPS praised Tara’s generosity on the school’s Facebook page.
“By donating her hair and raising such a significant amount of money, this young pupil has made a real difference to the lives of others. Her selfless act demonstrates compassion, determination and a wonderful community spirit,” the Facebook post said.
“Everyone at the school is incredibly proud of her achievement and grateful to all those who have supported her fundraising efforts.”
To donate to Tara’s fundraiser, visit her JustGiving pages (
www.justgiving.com/page/tararooney-5 and
