Golden girl to inspire Hereford charity (From Ledbury Reporter)

Golden girl to inspire Hereford charity

8:30am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News

A HEREFORD children’s charity has struck gold by securing the support of an Olympic medallist.

Joanna Rowsell was the toast of British cycling last summer after winning gold in the team pursuit event at the London Olympics, helping set a new world record alongside Dani King and Laura Trott.

And the 24-year-old, who lost her hair as a youngster through alopecia, has now agreed to become an ambassador for the Little Princess Trust, which provides realhair wigs for children suffering hair loss through cancer treatment or alopecia.

“When I first read about the Little Princess Trust I really wanted to get involved and help in any way I could,” said Joanna, who was made MBE in the wake of her Olympic success.

“I lost my hair as a 10- year-old but was unaware of any wigs made specifically for children.

“Losing your hair as a child can be so upsetting but a real-hair wig could make a big difference.

I hope I will be able to raise awareness of this charity and help other children suffering with hair loss.”

The trust has given away more than 1,500 wigs since it was formed in 2006 following the death of five-year-old Hereford Cathedral Junior School pupil Hannah Tarplee.

Trustees’ chairman Tim Wheeler said the appointment was “fantastic news”.

“Joanna will be a tremendous help to the charity, not just in terms of raising awareness of what we do, but also as a role-model and an inspiration through the manner in which she has dealt with the loss of her own hair,” he said.