Telford's Sophie will lose locks for charity
After seeing her brother bravely battle cancer twice and win, a 10-year-old girl has been so inspired by his story that she has gone on a fundraising mission.
Sophie Leigh, from Muxton, took inspiration from her 19-year-old brother Michael's battle against two different forms of cancer.
She is now preparing to have her hair cut at a Newport hair salon this weekend to raise money for Cancer Research UK - after finding out both her and her mum carry the same genetic link to his cancer.
Michael, from Telford, was diagnosed aged four with pleuropulmonary blastoma, an aggressive cancer affecting one in every 200 million people.
Doctors warned Michael's parents, Sonia and Phil, their son may not survive emergency surgery to remove a tumour which had all-but encased his left lung.
Sophie and Michael's mum, 41-year-old Sonia Leigh, said: "He had chemotherapy and surgery to remove two ribs and half a lung. He was then all clear for 14 years until last year when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He has had his thyroid removed and had radioactive Iodine treatment and is currently clear of cancer again at 19.
"Sophie has been fundraising for Cancer Research UK over the last year.
"This year Sophie wants to donate 12 inches of her hair to The Little Princess Trust to make a wig for someone going through chemotherapy. In doing this she has asked people to sponsor her to have her hair cut. So far she has raised nearly £500 in just one week for Cancer Research UK.
"Truth be told, I don't want her to get her hair cut because she has always had it really long, but I am well up for the fundraising.
"I am extremely proud of Sophie for taking this on herself."
Julia Price, from Boughey House Hair and Beauty Salon in Newport has offered to cut and restyle Sophie's hair free of charge to help her raise more funds for the charity.
Salon owner Mrs Price said: "It all came about really because my daughter dances in the same group as Sophie, Dance Connection, in Newport.
"We got talking and it was all her idea really, it was something she was really keen to do so I volunteered my services."
If you would like to Sponsor Sophie she has a Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Sophieleigh1/ or you can text SUBM61 £5 to 70070. And don't forget to claim Gift Aid to increase your donation by 25 per cent, at no extra cost to you.
