A SELFLESS six-year-old had her long hair chopped off to support a school friend who is battling leukaemia.

Josie Massey, of Wittonwood Road, Frinton , made the brave decision after learning of her young friend’s cancer diagnosis.

While most young girls would be mortified at losing their hair, plucky Josie decided she wanted to donate hers to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children undergoing treatment.

The Frinton Primary School pupil pestered her parents until they let her go for the charity chop, which saw her hair cut short to raise cash.

Proud dad Mark said: “One of Josie’s best friends has been battling leukaemia for several months now.

“Josie came home and wanted to talk about it and asked a lot of questions. She wanted to know what she could do.

“We told her about the wigs they make for children with diseases like this and she toddled off, then came back and said she wanted to have her own hair cut to make a wig.

“We said she should think about it and not rush in, but she kept talking about it and we eventually agreed.”

He added: “For a six-year-old to want to do something like this is quite special.

“We want her to grow up to be the kind of person who is generous and puts others first without thinking twice, and that’s already her nature.”

Josie had her hair cut at David Taylor Hair Care, in Connaught Avenue, Frinton, which offered to do it for free to support the cause.

She was surprised on the day by an appearance from her friend, who got to make the final cut.

Mark added: “We are so proud of her and completely blown away by the level of support she has had.”

They originally set out to raise £150 – about half the cost of making a wig for the Little Princess Trust, but they have now topped the £1,000 mark.

To donate, go to justgiving.com/Josiechop