Liam McNally
A young Melton girl will be giving her long hair the big chop in order to support kids going through cancer treatment.
Hannah (9) has been growing her hair for almost half of her life, so that one day she could cut it off and donate it to be used in wigs for people going through chemotherapy.
She decided to undertake this endeavor at just four years after losing her grandfather, Bob Willey, to cancer in 2018 and becoming inspired to do something to make a difference.
Four years and 35.5cms of later, Hannah is finally ready to chop her locks. Her family signed up to Variety’s Hair with Heart charity, and the date has been set as February 25.
Hannah said she still misses her grandfather, but is feeling “proud of herself” for the work she’s doing.
Hannah’s father, Cameron Willey said he’s also feeling proud.
“There’s been lots of knots and tears and hair brushes that we’ve gone through over the past four years, but we’re super proud of her,” he said.
“It’d be good for anyone and everyone to get on board with it, it’s a great charity that helps sick kids feel normal while undergoing treatment.”
Along with the hair, Hannah is also donating money to Variety through the Hair with Heart program, and people can contribute to her cause.
Wigs can cost families up to $6,000, and last 1 to 2 years, meaning families can spend tens of thousands of dollars on the purchase of wigs throughout a child’s youth.
Details: hairwithheart.variety.org.au/fundraisers/hannahwilley/hair-with-heart