Hereford Cathedral hosts event that also looks to future with hope

The Little Princess Trust community gathered at Hereford Cathedral to mark the 20th anniversary of the charity.

Wig recipients, childhood cancer researchers, volunteers, founders, Trustees and hair donors were all present at last Saturday's Service of Hope.

Those present heard how Simon Tarplee and Wendy Tarplee-Morris started The Little Princess Trust in memory of their daughter Hannah, who was just five years old when her life was tragically cut short due to cancer.

Addressing those in attendance, Simon said: “Hannah was deeply caring – her natural empathy took my breath away.

“After we lost her, we wanted her kindness to keep moving in the world. That wish became a promise; that promise became The Little Princess Trust.”

Some of Hannah’s friends and teachers from Hereford Cathedral Junior School were at the service and former classmate Emily Prosser sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Tim Lowe, Hannah’s headteacher, explained how the charity was launched to help others with hair loss and how the first donation was a handful of sticky coppers from another young pupil.

The number of children receiving wigs has steadlily grown and now more than 2,000 young people with hair loss are helped by The Little Princess Trust every year.

Dr Catherine Pointer, a childhood cancer researcher, is one of the people to have received a wig. 

She told those in the cathedral that she was supported in 2009 when her leukaemia relapsed and explained that when a child is diagnosed with cancer “every ounce of control is stripped away”.

“You’re removed from your home and are kept in a hospital ward where you can’t control who you see, when you see them, what you do or when you do it,” she said.

“You forget what normal feels like and you can no longer recognise your own reflection."

On explaining how her wig helped her, Dr Pointer added: “But there are moments where you actually feel OK. Where you are well enough to go out and see friends and do normal things.

“And on those days being able to look like yourself and not be pitied or stared at make an immeasurable difference.

“You cannot put a price on giving a teenager the confidence to leave the house or go back to school.

“Those moments where you can briefly forget you’re a cancer patient makes a huge difference to your wellbeing.

“It’s a boost that keeps you going and reminds you of the life you’re fighting for.”

In his speech which looked to the future, Mr Tarplee reiterated his support for the cancer researchers, like Dr Pointer, who are being funded by LPT to search for more effective treatments.

“To our researchers, I say this: Remarkable outcomes require remarkable tenacity. Take risks, Be bold. Reach for the moon – and we will help you get there."

Mr Tarplee also thanked the incredible LPT community that allows the charity to provide free, real hair wigs and fund cancer research in his daughter’s name.

“Hannah once made the world brighter simply be being in it,” he added.

“We can do the same. Let’s carry her light out of this cathedral – into clinics and classrooms and communities across the country – until every child who needs us finds us, and every child who faces cancer finds a kinder tomorrow.”