A nine year old girl who has donated locks of hair and raised money for charity is to share some festive cheer next week.
Phoebie Stephenson, from Stanley, raised over £1,000 for Sands, a charity which supports families who have lost their baby at birth, and donated a total of 29 and a half inches of hair to the Little Princess Trust.
In recognition of her kindness, Phoebie will meet the Chair of Durham County Council, Cllr Jan Blakey, next Tuesday (1 December), as she flicks the switch lighting the Christmas trees on the County Hall roundabout and the tree outside the building.
The youngster chose to raise money for Sands in memory of her brother Charlie, who was stillborn in 2008.
At the age of 6, Phoebie first donated 12inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust so it could be used to make wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Her generosity continued as at the age of 8, she had another 17 and a half inches of her locks cut, which she donated to the trust. Throughout this she continued to raise money and awareness for Sands.
Phoebie’s proud dad, Brian Stephenson, said: “Phoebie loves to help people and we wholeheartedly supported her decision to raise money and awareness by having her long hair cut off for both these charities. Words can’t express how amazing it is for her to be given this honour.”
Arriving in true style, Phoebie and her family including her two younger brothers, Marcus, 6 and Logan, 4, will be chauffeured in a limousine, courtesy of her school, Shield Row Primary School.
Head teacher of her school, Andrew Knighton, said: “Phoebie is a delightful young lady with a heart of gold. I asked the children last year to think about how they could change the world. Phoebie’s acts of kindness and generosity are an example to us all. She is a star.”
An excited Phoebie said: “I felt really excited when Mr Knighton told me, it was an amazing surprise. I want to give a big thank you to the people who chose me.”
Bursting with pride mum, Kelly Stephenson, said: “This has come as a huge surprise, we are extremely proud of Phoebie and everything she has done for The Little Princess Trust and Sands.”
Cllr Blakey adds: “It never ceases to amaze me how caring young people are. The fact that she is only eight years old and has already helped so many people by raising money and donating her hair is just brilliant.
“I can’t wait to meet Phoebie, a young girl with a big heart, and her family.”
