A CHARITABLE youngster is set to cut eight inches off her hair in aid of a children’s cancer charity.

On May 15, seven-year-old Madison Howell, known as Maddy, will have her long blonde hair chopped off in front of a live audience consisting of classmates, teachers and parents at Fairford Primary School.

The hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust, which provides real hair wigs to boys and girls across the UK and Ireland that have lost their own hair through cancer treatment.

Each real human hair wig can cost up to £350 to make.

Maddy, from Hannington , was inspired to go for the chop after watching her grandfather Nick, who she enjoys a close relationship with, battle leukaemia.

Nick was initially given just three months to live but after chemotherapy his prognosis has improved.

Kelli Salone, Maddy’s mother, said: “She thought cancer was something that only old people got and when I told her that little boys and girls can get it as well she was very upset.

“She’s very close to her grandpa and it did affect her. She wants to help as much as she can.

“Nick is so touched by what she’s doing, he can’t believe it.

“Every time we visit he asks how it’s all going and he’s as keen as us to get as much support as possible for her.”

And the prospect of a drastic haircut during assembly hasn’t fazed the generous seven-year-old, who wants to raise £1,000 for the charity.

“She said she hadn’t slept very well and that she was quite nervous about doing it. But she’s determined to do it all the same.

“We’re all really proud of her,” Kelli said.

“She’s really going for it, and she’s so excited about it.

“She’s said that she wants to grow her hair back after this haircut and then cut it all off again which I am really not sure about.”

And the chic new look is certain to have a touch of magic about it with Harry Potter star Emma Watson serving as the inspiration behind the pixie cut.

“We googled short haircuts and Emma Watson’s popped up.

“I was worried that she would regret it, but she’s absolutely determined to go through with it and is really looking forward to donating the hair,” Kelli added.

Highworth hairdresser Karoliina Saunders has agreed to cut Maddy’s hair and has promised her transformation will take only 30 minutes.

Maddy is also supported by her three-year-old sister, Boe, and her proud father, Leon.

To donate, log on to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/madisonhowell.