Granddaughter of late Derek Giles to fulfil his dying wish

13-year-old Isla Giles will cut her hair, donate it to the Princess Trust, and raise money for SARCOMA cancer research.

Derek passed away on November 12 last year after a long battle with cancer after he developed the sarcoma in his leg. 

He had a long and impressive record of serving his local community, which began in 1989.

He served on St Neots Town Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and Cambridgeshire County Council and devoted much of his life to community projects and charities.

Isla will be cutting off around 40cm of hair to donate to the Princess Trust to help the charity in its mission to provide wigs to those experiencing hair loss due to cancer. 

Isla has also started a Just Giving page that has, so far, raised £555 at the time of writing, for SARCOMA research.  

Her mum, Anne-Marie Giles, said: "I just think it goes to show what a kind thoughtful little girl she is. She has only ever known long hair and although she is scared and nervous, she really wants to do it.

Isla said: "My hair will grow back, I want to help patients and it's the last thing my grandad ever asked me to do and it's for a good cause." 

Late councillor Derek Giles with his wife and daughter. (Image: Anne-Marie Giles)

Anne-Marie has said Derek and Isla came to the agreement the day before Derek died when the children in the family were allowed their final visit. 

As well as agreeing to the cut and the fundraising feat, Isla has chosen to brave the cut on January 28, which would have been Derek's birthday.  

Isla and Anne-Marie moved in with Derek and his wife Sandie when it became clear Derek's cancer was terminal.

Anne-Marie said Isla took an active role in his care by helping around the house and keeping him company. 

"She was happy to put her life on hold for her granddad at the age of 13 and there can't be many children who would do that. She gave up her summer," said Anne-Marie. 

You can find Isla's Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com