Hairdressing students raise funds for the Little Princess Trust

Level 3 Hairdressing students at Abingdon & Witney College recently organised and delivered a successful fundraising event in support of the Little Princess Trust, raising awareness and funds for a charity that provides free real-hair wigs to children and young people experiencing hair loss.

Hosted at the College’s Abingdon campus, the event formed part of the students’ qualification, which requires learners to plan and run a promotional activity. After researching a range of causes, the group chose to support the Little Princess Trust, a charity that has been helping children and young people since 2005. In addition to providing free wigs to those affected by cancer treatment and other medical conditions, the charity also funds vital childhood cancer research aimed at developing kinder and more effective treatments.

As part of the event, students transformed the college salon into a busy fundraising hub, welcoming clients for a range of professional hairdressing treatments. All proceeds from the session were donated to the charity, giving learners the opportunity to apply their technical skills in a real commercial environment while supporting an important cause.

To further boost fundraising, the students organised a tombola and raffle, with prizes generously donated by local businesses, college staff, students, and supporters. A bake sale featuring goods prepared by the students, alongside the sale of hair and beauty products, also contributed to the overall total.

The event proved to be a remarkable success, raising over £500 through the raffle, bake sale, and salon services. In addition, two students bravely took part in the ‘Big Chop’, donating their hair to the charity while securing approximately £600 in sponsorship. Altogether, the initiative raised an impressive £1,100 for the Little Princess Trust.

Beyond fundraising, the project gave students valuable experience in event planning, marketing, customer service, teamwork and professional salon operations. These transferable skills are essential for future careers within the hairdressing and beauty industry and provided learners with the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice in a live setting.

Kirstie Grant-Blackall, Lecturer, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements:

“The professionalism, compassion, and dedication demonstrated by our Level 3 Hairdressing students has been outstanding. They took full ownership of planning and delivering a fantastic charity event, showing impressive teamwork, creativity, and commitment throughout. Raising over £1,100 for the Little Princess Trust is a significant achievement and reflects their passion for supporting such a meaningful cause. This project highlights not only their technical abilities but also the positive difference they can make through their skills, enthusiasm, and desire to help others.”

Special thanks are extended to Tesco Abingdon and Tipsy Bean for their generous donations, as well as to everyone who supported the event. Finally, a huge well done to the students for their hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm in making the day such an outstanding success.