Mandy Watt and her daughter Kayley, 7, from Fishermans Paradise have both cut off their long, lovely Blonde hair to be donated to a program that makes wigs for Alopecia sufferers.

Mandy first decided to cut off her hair five years ago, when she became aware of a friend’s daughter, Ella, who was born with the condition. Ella had been selected to help promote awareness, at for the Alpecia Foundation at the time.

Little Ella's story stole Mandy's heart and she felt a donation would be the least she could do in order to putting a smile on Ella's sweet little face. Ella was constantly fitted for a wig but as her little scalp was ever changing as a toddler, wearing a wig was not possible. Despite knowing this, Mandy decided to go through with the donation, making her first big cut and helping out another deserving sufferer.

Alopecia Areata is believed to be an immunological disease under genetic control, which disrupts the normal biology of the hair follicle. For more than 30 years, leading Dermatologists around the world have been studying hair growth patterns, genetic and immune theories, striving for a cure and an acceptable treatment for Alopecia Areata.

Now five years on and after only a few minor trims, Mandy decided to cut and donate her hair again to this worthy charity organisation. This time her daughter Kayley wanted to join her and donate her beautiful blonde locks as well.

“As I am so blessed to have such healthy and fast growing hair which is always in a bun, it is the least I can do to make someone or some little person's life fill again with confidence and have them able to throw away their beanies and hats for good!" Mandy stated.

She went on saying, she was actually going to do the big cut last year but decided to wait until after her sister, Kasia’s wedding in September and then Christmas was here before she knew it. Kasia is actually our newest sales executive of the Narooma News, who started straight after her wedding.

Mandy mentioned “I have the laziest hair routines ever. I trim my hair myself when needed,  I have never coloured or style it. It has always for years just lived in a bun, especially when it was that long that it went down to my calves. I can happily say now, I'm actually loving the change!"

This time around, Mandy’s hair still came all the way down to her hips and the actual donated braid measured at 54cm, while Kayley’s donation measured 34cm. The hair was carefully braided at the time of cutting and now awaits being sent in the mail to make someone’s life change forever.

Both mum and daughter are now sporting stylish bobs, perfect for this current run of hot weather and she no longer has to wear her hair up in a bun.

“If only other people were aware what a difference their unwanted long locks could do for someone's life. Just think of how much hair is wasted on salon floors when it could be making someone so happy,” she said.

Mandy is keen to get the word out about this important program with the hope that others with suitable hair may too be able to donate. The hair must be of "virgin quality" (i.e. never coloured) and of a decent length. For more information on how you can help such a worth cause, please go to www.variety.org.au and follow the links to the "Princess-Charlotte-Alopecia-Program" . Formerly “Tresses for Princesses” run by the Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation, the program is now run by Variety. Click here to find out more