A YOUNGSTER has set herself a target of raising £500 for a charity which provides wigs for children after her grandmother told her she was undergoing chemotherapy.

Scarlett Sanigar, aged ten, has had nearly 20 inches of hair cut off so her hairstyle can match that of her nan, 67-year-old Elaine Fisher.

Mrs Fisher, who lives in Little Clacton, was told she had kidney failure after she underwent a routine blood test for diabetes, and after giving more samples, was then told she had multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.

More recently, Mrs Fisher has been travelling to Colchester Hospital every Friday for chemotherapy sessions, and after her daughter-in-law told young Scarlett that her nan was going to lose her hair because of the treatment, the ten-year-old went onto say she wanted to go on the journey with her.

Gazette: Determined – young Scarlett Sanigar was keen to support her nan, who is losing her hair as a result of chemotherapyDetermined – young Scarlett Sanigar was keen to support her nan, who is losing her hair as a result of chemotherapy (Image: Elaine Fisher)

Mrs Fisher said: “I think she’s been thinking about it for a while since we said I was going to lose my hair; her auntie was a hairdresser in Colchester, so one weekend Scarlett said, “let’s do it”.

Scarlett, who goes to Langenhoe Community Primary School, has now had over a foot of hair cut off and raised £45 of her £500 target so far.

Understandably, her efforts are a source of huge pride for her family.

Mrs Fisher said: “I was so proud of her, because she’s autistic.

“People with autism don’t like change so it was a big, big thing for her to do – it brings a lump to your throat.

“When her auntie asked how she wanted her hair, Scarlett said ‘I want it just like nan’s’.”

Before the treatment, Mrs Fisher said she loved being able to get out and about with her eight grandchildren.

Gazette: Praise – Elaine Fisher said she has nothing but praise for staff at Colchester HospitalPraise – Elaine Fisher said she has nothing but praise for staff at Colchester Hospital (Image: Elaine Fisher)

“The chemotherapy leaves you very tired and you fall asleep a lot – you feel very rough.

“But it’s not about me, it’s about her; before this, I was on the trampoline with her and on and bouncy castles – I’ve always been an active nan.”

The treatment at Colchester Hospital, Mrs Fisher said, has been exemplary.

“They are brilliant up here – I can’t knock them.

“Even the receptionists and everything – they are brilliant.”

Donations to Scarlett Sanigar’s fundraiser can be made via tinyurl.com/huwmttad.