A mum-of-three who needed to cut her long locks short for an operation to tackle a rare ear disease has decided to donate her hair to help children with cancer.

The Comet: Zoe with Felix during the charity haircut.Zoe with Felix during the charity haircut. (Image: Archant)

Zoe Wickens from Stevenage has had problems with her hearing for many years, but was only diagnosed with cholesteatoma in March after hearing tests and a CT scan at the town’s Lister Hospital.

The skin cell disease can damage the delicate structures deep inside your ear if left untreated, and can cause permanent hearing loss and damage facial nerves. In very rare cases, an infection can spread to the brain and create an abscess.

The 35-year-old underwent an operation at the Stevenage hospital on Friday and, although she cannot hear in her ear yet due to swelling, has been told it went well.

Just prior to the op, Zoe had 22 inches of her hair – which she had been growing for more five years – chopped off at Hitchin hair salon Farley’s to raise funds for the Little Princess Trust.

The Comet: Zoe shows off her new look - and her 22 inches of cut hair - after Felix completes the cut.Zoe shows off her new look - and her 22 inches of cut hair - after Felix completes the cut. (Image: Archant)

“It was down to my waist so it was about time I did something about it,” said Zoe, who lives in Foyle Close with her partner Darren Rumble and three children – Elliott, seven, nine-year-old Dolly and Summer, 15.

“I’d seen quite a few people donating their hair to the charity over the last year and I thought it was a fantastic idea.

“Having children myself I know hair seems to be quite a big thing for my girls, and the Little Princess Trust helps children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment by making real hair wigs.

“I thought it would be nice to help them feel better about themselves, as it’s terrible that children can bully others who have lost their hair.

“The owner of Farley’s – Felix Camfield-Walker – is a friend of Darren’s and they have known each other for quite a few years now, having met through the music scene.

“I explained the situation to Felix and he said he would cut my hair for free.”

About the operation itself, Zoe added: “I had to wait a long time for the diagnosis, but I was given the operation very quickly so I was grateful for that.

“The staff at Lister were very friendly and helpful. I’ve never had a bad experience at a hospital – it’s always been fantastic.”

Zoe set a £350 target – the amount needed to make a wig at the Little Princess Trust – which she has now surpassed, but she is still collecting donations.

To support the cause visit www.justgiving.com/zoesnewhair.