My name is Emma Collins, and this is no ordinary haircut.  On Monday 24 April, I will be cutting my hair and donating it to the Little Princess Trust as well as raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support. 

We all know that life is unpredictable, but the last four years have thrown up some massive challenges for me and my family.

I have not cut my hair since 2019, when I was involved in a terrible accident where I was hit from behind whilst stationary.  This left me in a wheelchair, and I cannot eat or drink normally either (I am reliant on a feeding tube).  My road to recovery is long but I am working towards achieving my challenging goal of being able to stand again.

Since 2019 my father was diagnosed with cancer, sadly resulting in his death in February and my mother has had major brain surgery from which she has recovered incredibly fast

All these events led me to the decision to grow out my hair so it could be donated to a wig-making charity for children.  Helping children is very important to me as I am also studying for a PhD doing research into novel drug therapy for children with thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder.  In cutting my hair I hope to help two charities and give myself a new start.  The recipients of my hair, The Little Princess Trust, will make it into wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.  I loved growing and 'wearing' my hair, and I hope that these kids will also enjoy the wig or wigs that are made from it.  Macmillan Cancer Support - cancer has taken my beloved father from me ‘too soon’ and I am grateful to Macmillan for the support they provide to everyone affected by Cancer.  My family were beneficiaries of their work, and I want to give back so they will be there for others in the future.   

I would be grateful to anyone able to support my efforts!  I have set up an Enthuse page for anyone to donate whatever they can so we can ensure Macmillan is there for others when they need them.