A SCHOOLGIRL is preparing to cut 12 inches off her long locks to support her best friend’s cancer battle.

Ten-year-old Millie Hughes, from Newton-le-Willows, has been inspired to cut her “Rapunzel hair” after pal Erin was diagnosed with leukaemia and her granddad was diagnosed with cancer.

The pupil at Lyme Community Primary School, who has never had a full haircut, saw best friend Erin lose her hair and get a wig. 

This has driven Millie to help other children facing the same plight.

After researching on her own, Millie decided she wanted to cut off her tresses and raise as much money as she can for The Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children with various forms of cancer.

Her mum Debbie, 32, said: “She just came up to me and my mum and announced that she had been researching how to help others like Erin and we both filled up with tears.

“She’s only 10, so I set the cut date for Friday, March 31 so she had time to back out if she wanted. But she is excited and counting down.

“She even said ‘cutting my hair is nothing compared to what other people who are sick have to go through’ and when she said that I could not be prouder.

“Both Erin and her granddad know and are overwhelmed with how kind and brave she is.

“The whole family is behind her.

“It makes me feel like as parents, both myself and her dad Andy have done something really right for her to be such a lovely little girl, especially to be so thoughtful at her age.”

Millie will be getting her hair cut at Bella Hair and Beauty Lounge on Stanley Street in Newton-le-Willows on Friday, March 31 at 3.30pm.

To donate visit bit.ly/2mzotLK.