Tag Archives: books

Inspiring twins turn hair into hope for children with cancer

In a story that has melted hearts, seven‑year‑old twins Willow and Isla are preparing to chop off their knee‑length hair for charity – after a spontaneous act of kindness sparked by a TikTok video over a year ago.

The sisters, who have never had their hair cut in their lives, are set to lose at least 12 inches each on July 25 to raise funds for The Little Princess Trust. The charity provides real‑hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment.

A fundraising event will be held on July 25 at Oscott Social Club in Erdington, where the little girls will lose their long locks while a host of activities take place throughout the day, including bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and of course food and drink will be available all day.

The fun begins at the club on Witton Lodge Road at midday and runs until 5pm.

The twins’ journey to this moment began long before the scissors come out – on a day that started with a simple scroll through social media and ended with a promise that would last an entire year.

‘Rough start’ that forged a fighting spirit

Willow and Isla’s mother has spoken candidly about the twins’ arrival into the world. Born three months premature and weighing just 1lb each – small enough to fit in the palm of a hand – the girls spent 17 weeks in hospital.

Yet despite the odds, she says, ‘they came out fighting.’

Now aged seven and living with autism, the twins have retained that resilience – and now, they are channelling it into an act of generosity that has left their family bursting with pride.

The TikTok that changed everything

The idea was born last year, when Willow was sitting next to her mother scrolling through TikTok. The pair came across a video of a little girl with no hair.

‘Willow was curious and asked why she didn’t have no hair,’ her mother explained. ‘I just told her she was poorly, and that made her hair fall out.’

Willow’s response was instantaneous. ‘Aww, that’s ok little girl,’ she said. ‘I will give you some of my hair.’

Her mother admitted: ‘I honestly felt like my heart was about to burst out my chest.’

A promise kept

Twelve months on, Willow has not forgotten. She still tells people: ‘I’m going to give my hair to the poorly children.’ And where Willow leads, Isla follows. The twins’ mother said: ‘Of course, Isla wants to be just like her twin sister, so she’s been telling all her friends at school. They are very excited!’

The girls’ hair currently falls all the way to their knees, making them, in their mother’s words, ‘my very own Rapunzels.’ On 25 July, that will change, as they both sit for their first‑ever haircut.

A mission to make two wigs

The family has launched a fundraising page with a goal of £1,400 – because it costs £700 to make a single wig for a child. With both twins donating their hair, they hope to raise enough for two wigs to be created.

The Little Princess Trust relies entirely on public donations to provide both Hair and Hope to children and young people facing cancer. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps turn locks of love into lifelines.

‘The girls are our very own superHAIROES,’ their mother said. ‘It would mean the world to us if people could donate, or even just share the page.’

The twins’ story is a testament to the power of a child’s compassion – and a reminder that sometimes, the biggest heroes come in the smallest packages.

To donate or share the family’s fundraising page, visit justgiving

Med-style restaurant to open in Sutton Coldfield

Willow at Mere Green to open next month

A new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant will open its doors in Sutton Coldfield next month. Parogon Group has unveiled what it describes as exciting plans for its next venue, Willow, in Mere Green,

Willow, the all-day dining destination, is bringing its signature charm to this February, with the opening date to be announced very soon. The launch marks a new chapter for the brand’s expansion plans following the successful launch of the second Willow site in Telford, last year.

Willow is part of Parogon Group’s successful portfolio of restaurants and
establishments. Founded in 2007, the group has multiple venues across
Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shropshire, including The Swan with Two Necks, TheOrange Tree Bar and Grill and Blockhouse Barbecue Grill. The upcoming launch of Willow will be its third location, introducing the popular dining experience to a new audience.

Serving an eclectic menu of Mediterranean-infused flavours in colourful holiday- inspired surroundings, Willow will offer all-day service and provide the ideal setting for families, friends and couples to dine and relax in a uniquely curated setting.

From signature salads to chargrilled kabab skewers, dishes will focus on innovative plates inspired by Mediterranean flavours.

Alongside its all-day main menu, guests can indulge in brunch favourites and a range of lighter lunch options. In addition, Willow also offers a traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings.

The venue will benefit from an outdoor terrace, ideal for al fresco dining and enjoying Willow’s signature handcrafted cocktails. It will host regular live music nights, with talented local artists, providing guests with an entertaining soundtrack to enhance their visit.

Richard Colclough, Managing Director at Parogon Group, comments: “We’re very excited to be launching our next Willow site at Mere Green. The Willow concept has garnered incredible popularity at its existing locations in Telford and Trentham, and we are looking forward to bringing this success to a new audience. Guests have embraced Willow for its year-round holiday atmosphere and signature ‘taste of the Med’ menu.”

Willow, Mere Green, also marks Parogon Group’s continued expansion.

Richard continues: “Opening our first site in the Birmingham area is a huge milestone for the group. After extensive research we’ve determined that Mere Green is the perfect location for our next venture. We look forward to celebrating the upcoming opening and the exciting year ahead!”

In the meantme, Willow invites guests to sign up for updates on the Willow, Mere Green, website for the opportunity to attend the
restaurant’s soft openings, receiving 50% off food during their visit.

Chamber head Charlie shortlisted for Birmingham Awards 2024

Charlie Eliott

Charlie Elliott, head of Royal Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth Chambers of Commerce has been shortlisted in the Birmingham Awards 2024.

Charlie (pictured) has been shortlisted in the Young Achiever of the Year category of the awards, which will take place on Saturday, 9 November at The Eastside Rooms.

Speaking on being shortlisted for the awards, Charlie said: “I’m honoured to be shortlisted for the Young Achiever of the Year Award. It’s a wonderful surprise that encourages me to reflect on my journey so far.

“This recognition highlights not just my efforts, but also the invaluable support I’ve received from colleagues, friends, and family along the way. I look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the nominees and the positive impact we can have in our community.”