A caring Kirkby youngster had her long ginger hair cut to support children battling cancer — emulating the kindness shown by her sister three years ago.

Ten-year-old Emilia Marsh donated 16 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust and also appealed for sponsorship to further boost the charity.

The trust provides real-hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to illness, including from treatments such as chemotherapy that can cause hair loss.

Emilia’s fundraising began when she overheard her parents, Kelly and Lee, discussing a previous donation to the charity by her sister, Isabella.

Emilia immediately wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps, saying: “It’s not fair that a ginger-haired child loses their hair to cancer and has to make do with a boring brown wig! Ginger hair is special.

“I want to help other children smile and feel good about themselves. I remember seeing my big sister cut her hair, and I know how amazing she felt to help other children.

“If I can make even one child happy, it will be worth it.”

Emilia’s hair was cut at Duo Hair on Chestnut Drive, Mansfield.

Proud mum Kelly added: “I’m so proud of both my daughters. Their selfless acts are an inspiration to us all, reminding us that no matter our age, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

The Little Princess Trust aims to restore a sense of confidence and normality to children affected by cancer. Not only does the organisation create bespoke wigs using real-hair donations, it also provides them free to children in need.

Emilia’s hair, combined with the sponsorship that currently stands at more than £700, will directly contribute to making wigs that resemble ginger hair.

They will allow children who share the Kirkby youngster’s hair colour to feel more comfortable during their challenging journeys.

Donations to support Emilia can be made at www.justgiving.com/page/emilias-big-chop