Ex-NRL star Clinton Toopi to cut hair for terminally ill Paige Skarratts

SHE’S the little flower girl who stole a city’s heart — and driven a former footy star to lop off his locks for the first time in six years.

LITTLE Paige Skarratts has brought a city to tears — and driven a former National Rugby League star to get his first haircut in six years.

Yesterday’s story of the terminally ill four-year-old’s parents marrying at Brisbane’s Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital so she could realise her dream of being their flower girl prompted a massive outpouring of love for the Pimpama family.

DONATE: PAIGE’S GOFUNDME PAGE

Pimpama’s Jacob Skarratts and Tania Miller did the seemingly impossible and made their little girl Paige’s dream come true within 24 hours.

Many readers also opened their wallets, with more than $8500 donated in less than 24 hours toan online campaign supporting Jacob and Tania while they care for her.

Which brings us to ex-Kiwi international Clinton Toopi and that head of hair.

“I don’t know her personally but I’ve really felt it through my wife,” he said of Paige’s diagnosis with an incurable brain tumour.

Former NRL star Clinton Toopi is going to cut his hair for the first time in six years to raise funds for little Paige Skarratts. However facing the scissors is still a scary prospect for him. Picture Glenn Hampson

“My wife is her kindy teacher and it’s really shook her up ... it’s so close to home and I suggested cutting my hair to raise funds for them.

“We just want them to be able to enjoy this time with Paige without worrying about having to put food on the table or pay the mortgage.”

Paige Skarratts was able to realise her dream of being a flower girl at her parents’ wedding.

Paige in bed while everyone gets ready for the wedding.

Having not cut his hair since retiring from footy in 2011, Toopi’s initial goal was to raise $500 during October. In less than a week he’s already passed the $2000 mark.

“It’s impossible for me to fathom what they’re going through,” the father of two said. “You don’t wish cancer on anyone but to see a little girl who isn't even five in this situation is just awful.”

Pimpama’s Jacob Skarratts and Tania Miller did the seemingly impossible and made their little girl Paige’s dream come true within 24 hours.

The wedding at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital. Paige got lots of hugs and kisses during the wedding.