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Newsround

Transforming haircuts into hope: Meet the ‘super hairoes’

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Before and after. Top Willow and Isla before the haircut and below the twins looking smart with their new shorn locks

Seven-year-old twins became ‘super hairoes’ when they had their knee-length hair cut for charity, inspired by a TikTok video they watched over a year ago. Willow and Isla have raised over £4,000 for cancer charities by donating their never-before-cut hair to The Little Princess Trust.

The big day: A carnival atmosphere

Last weekend, the Oscott Social Club on Witton Lodge Road was transformed into a magical carnival—and the stars of the show were the twins.

A community comes together

The fundraising event was nothing short of spectacular. Organisers turned the social club into a family-friendly fun day featuring:

  • Food and gift stalls offering treats and treasures
  • Face painting that turned children into butterflies and superheroes
  • Bouncy castles that kept the youngest guests bouncing with joy
  • Raffles with dozens of prizes donated by local businesses and supporters

Dozens of prizes were up for grabs, and the turnout was overwhelming. As the scissors snipped through 12 inches of hair from each twin, they remained brave and smiling throughout, embodying the “super hairoes” nickname their proud mother had given them.

The fundraising results

The day was a resounding success:

Fundraising MilestoneAmount
Raised on the day£1,100
Total raised overall£4,000+ (and still counting)
Original target£1,400
Target statusExceeded by nearly 300%

The twins smashed their original goal of £1,400 – enough to fund two wigs for children battling cancer. The final total now sits at over £4,000, with donations continuing to pour in.

The charity: The Little Princess Trust

The twins donated their beautiful knee-length hair to The Little Princess Trust—a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment and other medical conditions.

Why their donation matters:

  • It costs £700 to make a single wig for a child
  • With both twins donating 12 inches each, they aimed to fund two wigs (£1,400)
  • They raised enough to fund nearly six wigs with their £4,000+ total

The charity relies entirely on public donations to provide both hair and hope to families facing the trauma of childhood cancer.

A mother’s pride and gratitude

Shaunah Henderson was overwhelmed by the support on the big day:

“My babies did something amazing. They had their first ever haircut and donated to The Little Princess Trust charity. I could not be prouder of the girls. I was overwhelmed by the turnout for the funday. To those who came, I can’t thank you enough. It meant the world, and a special thank you to my family. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

A promise sparked by compassion

While the big day was unforgettable, the story of Willow and Isla’s generosity began over a year ago with a simple scroll through TikTok.

Willow was sitting next to her mother, Shaunah, when they came across a video of a little girl with no hair.

“Willow was curious and asked why she didn’t have any hair,” her mother explained. “I just told her she was poorly, and that made her hair fall out.”

Willow’s response was instantaneous and heartfelt:

“Aww, that’s ok little girl. 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 journey of resilience: Born fighters

The twins’ act of generosity is even more remarkable given their incredible backstory. Willow and Isla were born three months premature, weighing just 1lb each—small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. They spent 17 weeks in the hospital fighting for survival.

“They came out fighting,” their mother says proudly.

Now living with autism, the twins have retained that resilience and they have channeled it into an act of generosity.

How you can help

The twins have inspired hundreds, but The Little Princess Trust still needs support to provide wigs for the thousands of children facing cancer every year. You can support their mission by:

  1. Donating to their JustGiving page
  2. Sharing their story on social media
  3. Spreading awareness about childhood cancer and hair loss

Support the Twins’ Fundraiser:
👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/willow-isla-superhairo

Newsround

Inspiring twins turn hair into hope for children with cancer

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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

Newsround

Med-style restaurant to open in Sutton Coldfield

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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.

Newsround

Chamber head Charlie shortlisted for Birmingham Awards 2024

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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.”