Royal guest sees how we help children with hair loss

HRH The Duchess of Gloucester tried wig-knotting on a visit to The Little Princess Trust.

Caroline Shallow and Kimberley Hamlett are among the group of skilled knotters who make the wigs we provide to children and young people with hair loss.

They talked The Duchess of Gloucester through the wig-making process and explained how it can take up to 60 hours to knot one wig.

They also handed Her Royal Highness a drawing mat and hook before inviting her to knot hair donated by our supporters into a wig cap.

As part of our free service, we also pay for the cutting and styling of each wig given to those aged up to 24.

Liz Pullar is one of the our wig stylists and she showed Her Royal Highness how to prepare wigs in a variety of styles for children.

The Little Princess Trust was set up in memory of Hannah Tarplee by her parents Simon Tarplee and Wendy Tarplee-Morris.

They both remain heavily involved in the charity and Mr Tarplee told The Duchess how The Little Princess Trust has expanded its aims to fund childhood cancer research.

A total of 165 individual scientific projects have now been supported by The Little Princess Trust, making the charity one of the largest funders of paediatric research in the UK.

The Little Princess Trust was started in Hereford in 2005 and Mrs Tarplee-Morris told guests what an important part the local community has played in The Little Princess Trust’s development.

Volunteers were, she added, a key reason for the charity’s growth and she introduced The Duchess of Gloucester to longstanding volunteers Di Butler, Jayne Broome, Wendy Colbert and Mary Baynham.

The four women explained how they make up hair donation packs for supporters and sort incoming hair donations in preparation for the wig-knotters.

Mrs Tarplee-Morris thanked Her Royal Highness for visiting the charity before inviting her to unveil a plaque marking the visit.

“We were delighted to welcome The Duchess of Gloucester and to show Her Royal Highness how the selfless acts from so many supporters and volunteers ensures we can help thousands of children and young people,” added Mrs Tarplee-Morris.

“Our free wig service and our funding of childhood cancer research can only happen thanks to the efforts from so many people, and it is wonderful to see this recognised and appreciated by Her Royal Highness.”

Before leaving, The Duchess of Gloucester spoke to staff, Trustees and volunteers.

She said:  "I wish you all possible success in the future and all the very best wishes to all the many children and young people that you help. I shall take very special memories back from my visit here today."