Peabody youth helps children in need

 An eight-year-old with a heart of gold and some very long locks of the same colour has raised more than £1600 in less than two weeks for children who are seriously ill.

Charlie Frost, who lives on the Peabody Tatchbrook Estate in Westminster, cut 28 inches of her luscious locks yesterday in a bid to raise money for the BBC charity, Children in Need.

But her generous nature did not stop there. Charlie also donated her chopped hair to the Little Princess Trust who will use it to make hair pieces and wigs for children with cancer.

Toni and Guy, Sloane Square generously cut Charlie’s hair for free and even threw in a few extra pounds for Charlie’s collection on the day.

"I was a bit frightened to have my hair cut but I am really happy to be helping other children," Charlie said.

"I asked my mum when I was seven, if I could cut my hair but she said no. When I saw the Children in Need add come up on the television I asked mum again if I could cut my hair but raise some money too. Mum said yes because it was a good thing."

Charlie’s mother, Julie Frost recalled the moment that her daughter initially learnt about other children in need. They were at Butlins Holiday Park when Charlie innocently asked her mother about a disabled child. When Ms Frost explained to Charlie that there are organisations called charities which raise money to help children with special needs, Charlie responded by asking if ‘’she could go back home and get her blue purse?".

Ms Frost said that she is very proud of her daughter. "It’s the first time Charlie has had such a hands-on approach to charitable fundraising," she said. "I am really chuffed that Charlie is doing such a great thing for other children. I have no doubt that the success of this fundraising event will inspire her to fundraise again in the future".

Most of the many generous donations received have come from the Frost’s family and friends, and community on Tatchbrook estate.

Ms Frost said: "I’d like to say a big thank you to every single person who has generously donated money to this worthy cause. I would encourage other parents and children to do something similar. Not only is it a worthwhile experience for both parents and children but it’s a really great feeling knowing that you have helped someone."

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