Tag Archives: family

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

A centurion’s celebration aat Sutton Coldfield care home

Sutton Coldfield care home resident has celebrated her remarkable 102nd birthday by sharing her timeless advice for a long and happy life.

Joyce McCliskie, affectionately known as Joy, marked the milestone at Care UK’s Mercia Grangeon Lichfield Road, surrounded by her loving family and the care home team.

To honour the special occasion, the team decorated the home with banners and balloons, and the head chef prepared a bespoke birthday cake.

Joy’s secrets to a long and happy life

When asked for her advice for younger generations, Joy’s simple yet powerful secret was: “Stay active, busy and connected with other people.”

Born in Oldbury on 5th November 1923, Joy dedicated eight years of her career to nursing at Birmingham’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Her passions for sewing, knitting, and cooking were always shared generously with her family.

Joy met her husband Douglas in their twenties. Together, they built a beautiful family, which now includes two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

An integral member of the community

Since moving to Mercia Grange in 2022, Joy has become a cornerstone of the community. Her fellow residents nominated her to serve as a Resident Ambassador last year, a role in which she excels.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Joy is a much-loved resident, and her calm, cheerful attitude is an inspiration. Celebrating her 102nd birthday was a joy for everyone. Her philosophy reminds us that the key to a fulfilling life is living in the moment and finding joy in the simple things.”

Inspired by Joy’s story? Mercia Grange is welcoming new residents. If you or a loved one is seeking exceptional full-time care or respite care in the Sutton Coldfield area, we invite you to learn more.

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home offering premium residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Facilities include a luxury cinema, hair and beauty salon, and a traditional pub, all supporting a vibrant community life.

For information:

 Sutton Coldfield resident reveals secret to living to 101

A resident at a care home in Sutton Coldfield celebrated her 101st birthday and revealed the secret to a long life.

Birthday celebrations were in full swing at Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, when resident Joy McCliskie celebrated her 101st birthday. 

Reflecting on her long life, Joy said that “trying McDonald’s for the first time at the age of 100” was a highlight. Joy added: “I never feel too old to learn new things”.

She also revealed that the secret to a long life is having a “good set of genes and to keep active”.

On the big day, the home team organised a party surrounded by her friends and family at Mercia Grange. In true celebratory fashion, the team decorated the home’s lounge with balloons, banners and surprised Joy with a special birthday cake, baked by the one of team at the home, for everyone to enjoy. 

Commenting on the day, Joy said: “My favourite part of the day was see my whole family – there were over 20 people at my party! I really enjoyed the cake and being surrounded by family and friends.”

When asked how Joy feels to be 101, she smiled and said: “I feel the same”.

Joy was born in Oldbury on 5th November 1923, before moving to Sutton Coldfield after marrying her husband, Douglas, in 1948. She worked as an SEN orthopaedic nurse at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital for her entire career.

A keen knitter, Joy has two daughters, Alison and Kate, and four grandchildren.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Joy is a beloved resident at Mercia Grange, and it was a pleasure to help her celebrate this tremendous milestone.

“Everything we do centres around helping residents to live fulfilling lives, which is why we are always eager to mark special occasions and Joy’s 101st birthday was no exception.

“It was a delight to hear her sound advice to living a long life which we can all learn from. Let’s all raise a glass in her honour – happy birthday, Joy!”

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care. The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Mercia Grange, please call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com