Hartlepool schoolgirl raises hundreds for charity haircut in auntie's honour

Eight-year-old Jessie Crutchley has already collected more than £700 for the charity as she prepares for the chop – but she and her family hope they can spread the word of her fundraiser even further to encourage as many donations as possible.

The schoolgirl – who attends Throston Primary School – is always thinking of others, mum Kayleigh Neesam, 31, told the Mail, and came up with the idea for the fundraiser all on her own.

She was inspired to take on this latest act of kindness by her auntie Angela Fletcher, who is undergoing treatment for a brain tumour after a shock diagnosis at the end of November last year.

Jessie’s JustGiving page raised more than £500 in just a few days, and the total is continuing to climb towards £800.

Dad Mark, who works offshore, has also been collecting for his daughter’s cause and has around £100 to add to the pot.

It is hoped Jessie can raise £1,000 for the charity, which provides wigs for children and young people with hair loss.

Kayleigh, who lives with partner Paul Lee, said: “When Angela started to lose her hair it upset [Jessie] a bit.

“She said she wanted to give half to the Little Princess Trust and half to her Auntie Angela – but I explained it didn’t quite work like that and why didn’t she donate it all in Angela’s name.

“I’m really proud of her, I did not expect this at all.”

Jessie’s hair appointment will take place at At Ladies Room, Hartlepool Marina, this Sunday at 3.30pm.

Kayleigh, who works as a teaching assistant, said her daugher is set to lose around 16 inches of hair for the cause.

She added: “She can’t wait!”

The Hartlepool community rallied around Angela, a mum-of-one, when she was diagnosed last year after being rushed to hospital.

An online fundraiser raised more than £3,000 to support her and teenage son Jack throughout her treatment.

To donate to Jessie’s fundraiser you can visit her JustGiving page here.