A 12-YEAR-OLD girl at Wolverley Secondary School is donating her hair to a children's cancer charity while raising money for Samaritans.

Year eight student Gracie Rose is braving the shave at Nikki's Hair and Beauty Salon in Kidderminster next week and will donate her long blonde locks to be made into a wig for a child with cancer.

She has also decided to fundraise for Samaritans after her school was recently affected by suicide.

Gracie said: "I am excited to brave the shave on Thursday, September 26. By donating my hair to the Little Princess Trust, I choose to be bald so that others don't have to.

"My school has been touched by the tragic effects of suicide, which has inspired me to support the Samaritans. With all the donations and by raising awareness, the Samaritans can save lives.

"With the help of friends, family and other supporters, I hope to smash my ambitious target of £1,000 to give others the support they need at their time of need.”

Wolverley headteacher Bryn Thomas said: "It’s incredible that Gracie is so determined to go through with this selfless act.

"She has been mature and meticulous in the planning of her fundraising and by doing this she is not only supporting a wonderful cause, but setting a fine example to her peers. We are incredibly proud of her.”

Gracie has so far raised £650 for Samaritans and hopes to raise another £350 before her headshave.

Her mum Tracey said: "Gracie is a caring person and she has taken the decision to go through with her shave all on her own.

"Mental health is an issue Gracie really cares about and by helping the Samaritans with the fantastic work they do, she is also raising awareness.

"In addition, she is supporting the Princess Trust, which helps children and young people with hair loss through illness.

"As parents we couldn’t be prouder of Gracie. The whole family are behind her.”

Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gracie-rose-braves-the-shave to donate.