The Little Princess Trust

The Little Princess Trust is a charitable organization based in the United Kingdom that provides free real hair wigs to children and young people up to the age of 24 who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other conditions. Established in 2006, the charity was inspired by the life of a young girl named Hannah Tarplee, who battled cancer and experienced hair loss as a result of her treatment. The distressing effect of hair loss on Hannah highlighted the need for a dedicated service to support children and young people facing similar challenges. The Little Princess Trust works to restore the confidence and identity of those it helps by offering high-quality wigs, tailored to look as natural as possible.

History

The Little Princess Trust was founded in Hereford by the parents of Hannah Tarplee, along with help from friends and Hannah's school. The charity quickly grew from its humble beginnings, driven by the compelling need for its services. Over the years, it has expanded its offerings to include support for young adults up to the age of 24 and has broadened its eligibility criteria to include those suffering from hair loss due to medical conditions beyond cancer, such as alopecia.

Mission and Services

The primary mission of The Little Princess Trust is to provide emotional and practical support to children and young people experiencing hair loss. The charity achieves this by offering high-quality wigs made from real hair, which can be a significant step towards improving the well-being and self-esteem of those it assists. In addition to providing wigs, The Little Princess Trust also invests in cancer research, particularly focusing on finding less toxic treatments for pediatric cancers.

Wig Provision

The process of creating a wig begins with donations of real hair from individuals across the country and around the world. The charity provides guidelines on how to donate hair, ensuring that the donated hair is of sufficient length and quality to be used in a wig. Once collected, the hair is professionally treated and made into wigs, which are then styled to match the recipient's natural hair as closely as possible.

Research Funding

Recognizing the importance of advancing cancer treatment to reduce the incidence of hair loss, The Little Princess Trust also allocates a portion of its funds to support research into pediatric cancer treatments. The charity collaborates with leading cancer research organizations to contribute to the development of safer, more effective treatment options for children and young people.

Impact and Recognition

The Little Princess Trust has received widespread recognition for its work, including awards and endorsements from various sectors. Its impact is evident in the thousands of children and young people who have received support since the charity's inception. Testimonials from wig recipients and their families highlight the significant difference that a wig can make in a young person's life, often providing a sense of normalcy and confidence during a challenging time.

How to Support

The Little Princess Trust relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations for hair donations, financial contributions, and volunteer support. Information on how to donate hair, fundraise, or volunteer is available on the charity's website, making it easy for those who wish to support its mission to get involved.