Why Beckie's for the chop (From Watford Observer)

Teenager Beckie Scott to have first hair cut for charity

9:00am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Ben Endley, Senior reporter

A scissor-shy teenager from Bedmond is preparing to have her first ever haircut at the age of 14 so she can donate the hair to a children’s charity.

Beckie Scott will have the chop on September 27 so she can donate the hair to The Little Princess Trust, a charity that provides real wigs for children suffering hair loss.

The St Michael’s Catholic High School pupil admitted she was feeling nervous about losing her luscious locks but has been inspired to do this for around a decade.

Beckie said: "When I was four or five I was watching this program on TV about children with cancer, there was a little girl with no hair and I said ‘I want to give her my hair’.

True to her word, she kept growing her hair and recently decided the time was right to cut at least 18 inches off and donate it to the charity.

However, reflecting on that decision now, Beckie admits she is feeling more than a little nervous about losing her locks.

"I love my hair but I think someone else is going to love it so much more," she said.

"I feel kind of nervous because it is a part of me, it has been with me for so long."

"I get quite a lot of compliments about my hair from friends, people who hardly know me and even complete strangers, I also get asked if it’s fake.

"I know I am going to have it above my collar which is going to be odd, I’m not sure if I will grow it back yet - I will have to think about how long it takes."

The thoughtful gesture is charged with extra emotion for Beckie and her mother Anne as she is seeking to raise money in memory of her father Gary who died of a brain tumour in 2010.

Beckie added: "I decided I wanted to use this to raise money for my dad’s charity, the HoneyRose Foundation.

"I just want to raise as much as possible from this."

The foundation helps people with terminal illness who are aged 40 or over do something special before the end of their lives.

Anne, 52, of High Street, Bedmond, said: "I am gobsmacked, I thought she had forgotten all about that show but she had already looked into it, all I did was find her a hair dresser.

"They are a fantastic charity and when you fundraise for them they get back in touch and tell you how the money has been spent.

"Having been in that position ourselves we know what a difference they can make."

If you wish to support Beckie please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/beckiescott