Chop with a conscience

Hebel's little legend doing her part in the fight against cancer

BIG HEART: Tillie McCumstie is cutting off her hair for a cause.

WHILE most seven-year- olds persistently bug their parents for toys and treats, Hebel's Tillie McCumstie bugged her mum to let her cut her hair.

When Tillie saw a TV advertisement for children affected by cancer in July, she knew straight away she had to do something.

"I wanted to cut off my hair to give to people with cancer and also to give them some money.

"I think it's a nice thing to do,” Tillie said.

After months of persistence, her mother Jodie set up a fundraiser page through their chosen charity, Variety Foundation, last month.

"Through their Hair with Heart program, Tillie's hair will be donated to an organisation that makes wigs.

Ms McCumstie has also set up a fundraiser page, where Tillie's friends and family have so far donated $2000, half of what it costs to make a wig.

All proceeds from the online donations go directly to the Variety Foundation's grants - to help families in financial hardship buy wigs for their sick children.

"We think she's very brave for giving up her hair,” her mum said.

"We weren't too sure how we all felt about it, but she just kept saying that it'll grow back.”

Her principal Cath Cargnoni said she thought it was amazing.

"To be so young and so kind and considerate and thoughtful,” she said.

"With her family and the whole community doing it so tough in this drought, for her to still see that other people need help is a wonderful thing.

"It's a reflection of her beautiful family and community values.”

Tillie will make the big chop on November 3 and she's already excited for how much easier it will be to get ready for school with her new, short do.

"I can sleep in a little bit and it will be easier to brush,” she said.

"But right now I have to look after my hair for the next people.”