A mum has expressed the huge pride she feels for her young daughter after she raised hundreds of pounds for Family Friends.
Millie Whitworth raised £385 for our charity through a variety of activities at the Broom Farm Estate on a special day for her. She did so because Family Friends had helped her family when they were going through a difficult time. Kind-hearted Millie had decided she would be sponsored to have her long ponytail chopped off for another charity – the Little Princess Trust. See video and pictures below.
The family held a special event centred around her hair cut and Family Friends also benefited from funds raised on the day.
Her mother, Gemma, told us: “It was a huge step out of Millie’s comfort zone. She truly amazes me. I was so proud of her, as she’s a shy and timid girl usually. People have commented what a selfless thing it was to do.”
Millie said it had made her “happy and proud”. Prior to the big day, she had declared: “My hair will grow back, and I just want to help another princess have lovely hair like mine.”
The special guest at the haircutting event was Freda the hippo – Family Friends’ mascot. Guests took part in the splat the rat game, an auction, tombola, refreshments, and a raffle to raise funds for Family Friends. Gemma set up a Facebook page for the event.
Dedworth Middle School pupil Millie, ten at that time, had more than twelve inches of her braided long locks chopped. Some of her wider family came from Manchester to visit and watch. After the hair was snipped and removed last December, Millie placed it in a pink box with a message to send to the Little Princess Trust. The idea is that it will be used to make a wig of real hair for a young child who has lost their own due to cancer treatments. And proud mum Gemma was also overflowing with praise for the Family Friends family support service after she and her family received help during difficult a time.
She said: “I haven’t got words to describe how brilliant they have been, it’s not like we are getting help from a pro, just getting help from a friend. It felt like support, and we were never being judged. Michele was always there, and the service Family Friends offers is extremely valuable and helps you do things you just can’t manage on your own, such as helping me to go through the appeals process about school places.
“I would recommend Family Friends over any service.”
If you would like to help raise money for us, like Millie did, please get in touch.
