SHE had never had her hair cut – in fact Lilly Floyd had been growing her long auburn locks all of her life.

But for her 12th birthday she bravely had it all cut off to help children with cancer – inspired by her grandmother Ann Warrender, 60, of Dibden who won her battle with the disease this summer.

The Applemore Technology College pupil had the idea to donate 14-inches of tresses to the Little Princess Trust after her hero singer Jessie J had her head shaved for last year’s Comic Relief.

The youngster, from Marchwood, has also spent months raising hundreds of pounds in sponsorship money for the charity, which makes wigs for children who have lost their own hair during cancer treatment.

Lilly, who has four siblings, had her hair cut by Kimberley Wells from Hythe hairdressers Visual Cuts at St Anne’s Church Hall in Netley View in front of her family and friends at Chantelle’s School of Dance, Hythe, where she is a member.

Her mum Tasha said: “While my mum was ill we came across the Little Princess Trust. We read about what they do and she said ‘mummy, I would like to donate my hair – these children need it more than me."

Daily Echo:

Lilly Floyd has her first-ever haircut

“My mum is over the moon. She’s absolutely thrilled to bits and she’s supported her so much. I’m really proud of her too and her siblings think it’s incredible.”

Lilly is also a member of Starlight Trampoline Club of Totton and Waterside Gymna-stics Club in Dibden Purlieu. To donate, visit: mydonate.bt.com/ fundraisers/lillyfloyd1#.U_Jh7BlM8vA.facebook.