SHE has been growing her hair for half of her life.

Little Lily Russell was proud of her waist-long brown locks which she enjoyed wearing in bunches and plaits.

But now the four-year-old from Botley has had her first haircut in two years in a bid to help poorly children.

The youngster from Smiles preschool has donated nine inches (23cm) of her hair to the Little Princess Trust where it will be made into wigs for girls and boys who have lost their own hair during cancer treatment.

Lily was inspired to donate her hair before her third birthday when a friend of her brother had her hair cut off for the same cause.

She has also raised more than £700 for the charity – enough to cover the costs for two wigs to be made.

The cash was raised with help from her parents Kerry Gough and Neil Russell, 53, her six-year-old brother Aaron, Smiles Preschool and Freegrounds Infant School where she will start in September.

Kerry, 28, a cleaner and carer said: “Lily was over the moon. She was asking me loads of questions about why the children didn’t have hair. She couldn’t quite believe that they’re going to have her hair. She thinks it’s amazing.

“She liked having it in plaits and bunches so it was a big thing for her but she’s loving it being short. Lily’s had quite a lot of attention at the school and her preschool since it was cut. I’m so proud of her.”

The youngster is still raising money for the Little Princess Trust. The charity has given 4,000 free real hair wigs to poorly boys and girls across the UK and Ireland since it was founded 10 years ago.

To donate visit justgiving.co.uk/lily-russell or text ‘MDSN68 £5’ to 70070 to give £5.