Cloey makes a ‘strand’ for CANSA with hair donation

GLENASHLEY resident, Cloey Van Niekerk (10) visited her local hairdresser for a meaningful make-over on Tuesday, 26 November. After a dramatic hair cut, she plans to donate her 35cm pony tail to CANSA during the upcoming school holidays.

“I hope it will make someone happy, I hope they feel like they have hair again,” she said.

Van Niekerk said she was inspired to make the donation because her great aunt and great, great uncle both had cancer. The Grade 4 Virginia Preparatory school learner is enjoying her new bob hairstyle.

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“I think I will keep my hair short, because I plan to swim a lot during summer and it will be easier to wash my hair if it is short,” she said.

Lisa Strydom, Divisional Service Delivery Manager for CANSA KZN said the donation would uplift a cancer patient emotionally and financially.

“We use the hair donations to make wigs for cancer patients that are much cheaper than those made commercially. Since cancer takes a huge financial toll on patients in so many ways, being able to get a cheaper, good quality wig is truly appreciated by patients. On top of that, being able to look and feel normal by wearing a wig, rather than walking around with a bald head during treatment, really improves people’s ability to cope with the emotional side of treatment,” she said.

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Daring donations seem to run in the family as grandmother, Cheryl Wolstenholme shaved her head to donate her hair some seven years ago.

“I am very proud of Cloey,” said Wolstenholme.

Van Niekerk said she had been growing her long locks for two years.

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