Loughborough College’s Jenni McPherson has admitted it was her mum who inspired her to recently make a very special charity donation.
“When my mum Stella was diagnosed with cancer, she was devastated at the thought of losing her hair as a result of her treatment. It made me feel so upset to see her upset – and that is when I had the idea,” said the College learning support assistant.
With help from Loughborough College, Jenni resolved to have her very long hair cut off and to donate it to the Little Princess Trust – which provides real hair wigs to children and young people with hair loss. “I have autism and it was years since I had been to the hairdresser. I find it so distressing. But my mum had inspired me and this was my chance to give someone a gift which could make all the difference to them.”
The College’s Radmoor hair salon stepped in with their expertise and reassurance and Jenni’s workmates went along to provide additional moral support.
“I was so nervous but although my mum couldn’t be there because she is in the middle of treatment I kept thinking of her and it really helped to have familiar faces like my manager Sue and my colleague Emma there.
“My sister Sophie also came along with my godmother Remy, who ended up doing the first part of the cut, and it was such a shock to see such a huge chunk of hair come off. But then Jaden Gibbs, one of the College’s hairdressing students, stepped in to complete the cut and he was incredible. He took his time and was so reassuring, talking me through everything and really keeping me calm.
“When I saw the result I was so pleased – but of course the best thing was being able to make that donation. I can’t thank Kerie Mooney, who’s a hairdressing tutor at the College, and of course Jaden enough.
“The support I was given was so heartwarming and everyone who sponsored me helped me raise £240 for the charity. My godmother said it had been such an honour to help and my mum was really touched I had done it. She inspired me– and I hope other people might feel inspired to donate to this amazing cause too.”