A teenager who had a health scare after a cyst was found on her brain has had her hair cut to make wigs for children with cancer.
Charlize Vissenga, 13, of Ravensthorpe, hadn’t had a haircut since she was eight years old.
The brave youngster – diagnosed with a cyst on her pineal gland, known as the ‘third eye’ – had around 16 inches lopped off her thick, dark brown hair.
The hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust – along with sponsorship money – to make wigs for sick children.
Stylist Lucy Jordan, at Bradley-based Peter Terence Hair Design, gave Charlize a brand new look, complete with highlights.
Charlize’s mum Marie, 44, said she was proud of her daughter.
In September last year Charlize was diagnosed with the cyst, found during a routine eye examination.
Doctors believe Charlize may have been born with the cyst which is now being monitored.
Charlize, a student at Castle Hall Academy in Mirfield, has regular hospital appointments to keep a check on the growth.
The diagnosis was a big shock to Marie, dad Mark, 43, and brothers Ashley, 22, Lewis, 18, and Brandon, 15, and sister Tanya, 25.
“It was a scary time but Charlize has been very brave and when she found out about this charity she wanted to turn the negative into something positive,” said Marie.
Charlize set a target of £350, the cost of making a wig, but raised £360 herself with family in Newcastle collecting £150 and staff at the hair salon adding another £50.
Marie said there were a few tears when Charlize first arrived at the salon but she couldn’t wait to show off her new style at school.