A BRAVE little Kidderminster girl had her beloved long hair cut off on her birthday to raise money for a cancer charity in memory of her friend.

Meeah Bakhtiari decided to spend her seventh birthday on February 6 at a salon where her locks were cut off and sent to the Little Princess Trust, who make wigs for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatments.

The Wolverley Sebright pupil wanted to do something in memory of her friend Ben Baxter, who sadly passed away aged just five after a short fight with an aggressive liver cancer.

Her selfless efforts have so far also seen her raise more than £430 for the charity. The cost of making each wig is £350.

Meeah’s proud mum Dina said: “Ben's death greatly affected Meeah, and after a year of grieving I think this was her way of trying to make peace with it all.

“She also asked me to set up a fundraising page like I had done in the summer for my muddy run for cancer.

“Meeah took a fundraising box in to her school the week before and told everyone she spoke to.

“Everybody has shown her so much support and so far. We are so proud of her, and everyone has been so astonished at what she has done out the kindness of her heart.

“The hair dressers, Elizabeth and Giovanni were fantastic and made her feel very comfortable. They asked us to put the money for her hair cut straight to the charity, as did the beautician who painted Meeah’s nails.

“They made her feel very special on her birthday. She had over 10inches cut!

“For Meeah to donate her hair is an unbelievable gesture, we weren't sure she would go through with it as she loves her hair and is always playing and styling it herself.

“But she insisted and is now styling a beautiful above the shoulders hair style and feeling very proud of herself, as she should.”

Anyone wishing to support Meeah’s fundraising can do so by visiting her page at Www.justgiving.com/meeah