SHE has waited two years – and now a big-hearted schoolgirl has finally been given the go-ahead to lose her long locks for a good cause.

Brooke Pardy, of Abbey Road, Popley, Basingstoke, first asked her parents if she could have her head shaved two years ago, when she attended a Jessie J concert shortly after the pop star had gone bald to raise money for Comic Relief.

Brooke’s mum Dawn explained: “She was only seven years old, and we thought it was just a fad. We told her she was too young, but she was obviously serious about doing it.

“A close family friend was poorly with cancer and sadly passed away earlier this year, and that had a big effect on Brooke – she wanted to do something to help.”

Seeing how serious she was about her plan, Dawn and husband Tony, 40, agreed Brooke could go ahead with the big haircut.

The schoolgirl, who attends St Mary’s Church of England School, in Old Basing, had her dark hair, which fell below her shoulders, shaved down to a grade two at St Michael’s Hospice, in Basingstoke – the charity she decided to raise money for.

Leslie McKenzie, hairdresser at the salon in the Aldermaston Road hospice, carried out the head shave.

Dawn, 34, said: “There were a few mixed feelings from her on the day, and a few tears. But it actually suits her and I’m sure she won’t regret it.

“Hair grows and she has smashed her fundraising target. I am really proud of her – hair is a big deal for girls.”

So far, Brooke, who is nine and has a younger brother and sister, has raised more than £1,700, through both online and offline fundraising.

Dawn said: “Her original target was £1,000 so she has absolutely smashed it. She’s raising awareness wherever she goes – just seeing her will make people think.”

Brooke’s hair has been sent off to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children who have lost their hair through illness.

Daisy Mitchell, community events co-ordinator at St Michael’s Hospice, said: “We were delighted when Brooke chose to support the hospice, and we are incredibly grateful for her fundraising efforts and her bravery in taking on this challenge.”