RESIDENTS at a Sturminster Newton care home took scissors in hand to help two members of staff raise more than £1,250 for a children’s cancer charity.

Carer Ellie Belhabi and companion team leader Lora Misheva at Newstone House invited residents to cut their long hair before donating it to the Little Princess Trust, which provides real-hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their hair through cancer treatment.

Their original fundraising target was £700 – the amount it costs the trust to make, fit and style one bespoke wig.

Thanks to sponsorship from family, friends, colleagues and the community, the pair smashed that goal.

Residents, including former professional hair stylist Derek Martin, took turns to make the all-important cuts after a raffle decided who would go first.

Lora looks worried as Derek makes the first snip, while carer Ellie watches on.

Derek said: “The Little Princess Trust is an amazing charity. Hair is something most people take for granted but losing it, especially as a child or young person, can have a massive impact. I was only too pleased to do my bit to help.”

Home manager April King said: “Ellie and Lora made a selfless decision to donate their hair and, at the same time, raise money for this wonderful cause.

“In true Newstone family style, residents, staff, the local community along with family and friends rose to the occasion. We had a raffle to win the right to make the all-important first cut. Resident Derek and family friend Ron won the honours.

“Ellie and Lora looked petrified but bravely went through with it. Lora said that the sound of the scissors actually made her feel quite nauseous.

“Rachael Mullins, the daughter of resident Muriel, was on hand to ensure no over enthusiastic shearing took place and to style out the end result.”

Lora and Ellie with shorter hair after their charity cuts.

Afterwards, Ellie said: “I’m overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from family, friends, colleagues and residents. Thank you to all who supported us.”

Lora added: “We are honoured to be surrounded by such generous and kind people.”