9-year-old Bognor girl overcomes cancer to donate hair to Little Princess Trust – and raises nearly £1,000 for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust

Zofia Pokropek was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February 2016 and lost her hair while undergoing treatment.

Now it has grown back the St Mary’s Catholic Primary School pupil decided to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust to help other children who are fighting cancer – and also raise money for the Walberton charity which cared for her and her family.

After her first weeks in hospital, Zofia was able to go home where she and her family received help and support from the Sussex Snowdrop Trust’s care at home team.

Zofia’s dad, Jacek, said: “The nurses visited us on regular basis for blood tests. It was so reassuring to be able to call any of the nurses seven days a week if we had any problems or doubts. We were very, very scared during this time and we received loads of emotional support from all the nurses.

“The team are always smiling and they made sure that all of us could get the support we needed. As a family, we also went to some events that were organised by the charity such as a trip to the Weald and Downlands Museum and a Christmas party at Butlin’s.

“This meant so much to us, to have a treat and to spend happier times together.

“Zofia is now stronger and her hair has grown really long. She wanted to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust who provide wigs for children who may have lost their hair through cancer treatment or other conditions.

“As a family we wanted to raise money for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust to show our appreciation of all the support we received when Zofia was ill.”

So far Zofia has raised £910 for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, smashing through her original target of £500.

The trust is currently supporting 70 families in the area with vital nursing care at home for children who have a life-threatening or terminal illnesses.

The charity helps families at the most traumatic time of their lives when they are face with the news that their precious child is sick, and throughout their journey.

Di Levantine, chairman and co-founder of the charity, said: “It is so uplifting to see Zofia so well and eager to help others which is wonderful.

“Snowdrop families are very grateful for our support and are motivated to help raise funds so we can continue to reach children who are cared for by the Snowdrop team.

“Fundraising in the current climate is particularly challenging and we are thankful for the continued support from the community and the kindness shown by the team at Lotus Styling at Aldwick who made Zofia feel like a princess as Daren gave a her fabulous haircut.”

To donate to Zofia’s fundraiser for the Sussex Snowdrop Trust visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/the-sussex-snowdrop-trust

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