She loved her long, shiny locks and was on a mission to grow them as long as she could.
But Eva Hanekom (8) – a Grade 3 pupil at Fish Hoek Primary School, decided to not only chop off her long locks but also donate them to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).
Her father Andre Hanekom tells People’s Post she made the suggestion all on her own.
“Her sister Dakota, who is 10 years old, also did the same, donating her hair to Cansa two years ago.”
Hanekom says at first Eva was set on growing her hair but suddenly decided that it was time for shorter hair.
“Eva was growing her hair and said she wanted to have the longest hair. In December last year, she said she was ready to cut her hair.
“Her hair was long, beautiful and shiny and it was her idea to cut her hair and donate it to Cansa.”
He adds that Eva is also very sporty so she wanted shorter hair.
So over the holidays, between Christmas and New Year, the family went to a hair salon where Eva was “treated to a fun experience” and “felt like a princess”.
“The second week of January we went to Postnet and sent her hair to Cansa, they have also confirmed that they received it.
“The minimum length to send is around 33 cm and Eva’s was around 35 cm.”
The father says both his daughters are aware of cancer because as parents they talk about it at the home.
“They obviously know about cancer, we talk about it at home, so they are aware.
“As parents, we are super proud of them. Genetically and historically there is cancer in the family on my side and my wife’s side of the family.”
