Mane character Charlotte

Not many summer haircuts come with such a good cause, but Charlotte Hogg’s trim up will go much further than the hairdresser’s chair.

Charlotte is cutting off 40cm of her hair and selling it to Freedom Hair, who make human hair wigs, then donating her hair payment, plus fundraising proceeds, to the Cancer Society Marlborough.

“I’ve known about cancer and how people lose their hair during chemotherapy, especially at a young age.

“I know how much girls like their hair and do different hair styles because I know how much it means to me. I think it’s just a sense of doing some good for someone out there.”

Although she has plenty of hair to contribute, Charlotte says that when she goes in for her haircut on Thursday 4 December, each wig requires 20 hair donations to make one for someone in need.

Mum Fiona says the family is very proud of Charlotte making the chop of her ‘mane’.

“It’s just something good and selfless that she’s doing to raise some funds and hopefully further awareness for the Cancer Society and for Freedom Wigs as well ... hopefully raising their profile of such a great job they do helping people in tough times.

“Now’s the time for her to do this, before girls get into chemically treating their hair because the hair for the wigs can’t be treated at all. Charlotte thought if she could raise some awareness for this age group maybe that might inspire more - many of her friends have got long hair, and I believe it’s something like 20 donations to make one wig so it all matters”.

Cancer Society Marlborough’s Philippa Hatton was thrilled when Charlotte came to them with the offer.

“This is all completely off her own initiative - she’s a genuinely altruistic young person who keeps finding ways to make a difference, and this latest effort is something we’d love the community to celebrate.”

Contribute here: www.youcanforcancer.org.nz/maneformeaning