Scheme manager donates a whopping 16 inches of hair to children’s charity

Beverley Smart, Manager of Denham Garden Village retirement scheme in Denham, had a whopping 16 inches of hair cut off for charity!

Beverley had been growing her hair for two years, to donate to The Little Princess Trust. Her hair will be made into a wig by the charity for children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other conditions. 

Beverley was inspired to donate her hair after watching a video of a child receiving her first wig in January 2020. Since then, Beverley has been growing out her hair to be able to donate it to this wonderful charity. The charity accepts donations of hair from 7 inches, but their greatest need is for hair donations 16 inches or longer. 

Now, two years after her journey began, Beverley was able to donate her hair to a truly inspirational cause! 

Along with her hair, Beverley will make a personal donation of £550 – which is the full cost to make a wig – to The Little Princess Trust. Further donations in support of her efforts are being made by supportive members of the public and residents at Denham Garden Village retirement scheme.  

The haircut took place in the Winter Garden of Denham Garden Village at 10:30am by onsite hairstylist Sandra Woods. Refreshments were served to residents and well-wishers afterwards.  

Beverley was very excited about donating her hair to the charity, saying:

When I saw the video of a little girl receiving her first wig on a social media platform it really touched my heart. I thought to myself, ‘I could do that; it doesn’t cost anything to grow your hair.’ When the pandemic hit in March 2020, I made the decision to grow my hair until I could donate 16 inches of it to the charity. I know the residents are very excited to come and watch me having my hair cut and will donate anything they can to support this worthy cause.

The residents and all my colleagues have been incredibly supportive of my efforts. We’ve got a lovely community here. Honestly, we like to think of ourselves as one big family and the great thing about family is they’ll cheer you on when you do something like this! 

Resident Jenny Message, who has lived at Denham Garden Village for 16 years, said:

All of us are so proud of Beverley! She’s doing something incredible.  

I honestly don’t know how she’s managed to not have her hair cut for two years, but honestly, it’s so wonderful to think of all the good it’ll do. The Little Princess Trust is a truly wonderful cause! 

Wendy Tarplee-Morris, Founder of The Little Princess Trust, said she was delighted to hear of Beverley’s wonderful support. 

Beverley’s patience to continue growing her hair for so long so she can donate 16 inches of hair is massively appreciated.

The biggest demand remains for our longest wigs and so lengthy donations like Beverley’s are gratefully received. We are also incredibly thankful for the financial donations which will help us to continue to provide real hair wigs, free of charge, to so many children and young people.

For more information on Denham Garden Village retirement scheme, please click here.