When 9-year-old Libby Tucker-Spiers saw her best friend lose his hair due to the chemotherapy treatments, she decided to help the only way she could: She chopped off her own blonde locks in support.
In April of this year, 7-year-old Aiden Selleck was diagnosed with Wilms’ tumor, a rare form of kidney cancer that typically affects young children. Libby’s determination to cut off her hair was ignited by a visit with Aiden after his third round of chemotherapy.
Charlie Spiers, Libby’s mother, explained to ABC News, “She saw him on the bed and he was pale—white as a ghost. I think it shocked her because he didn’t have any hair.”
Mirror
For Libby, who has been friends with Aiden for most of her life, the decision was made without the slightest hesitation. The two even insist that they’re “boyfriend and girlfriend,” and according to their parents, exchange cards on Valentine’s Day.
Charlie Spiers, proudly told ABC News, “She’s got so much going on herself with her own learning difficulties. She’s just selfless. She’s an amazing little girl, but Aiden is just as amazing.”
It seems that Libby and Aiden were destined to become friends. Charlie and Aiden’s mother met in the same hospital room while preparing to go into labor. The families have been close ever since that fateful and unconventional meeting.
Charlie Spiers suggested that Libby donate her hair to “Little Princess Trust,” a U.K.-based children’s cancer charity that makes wigs from real hair for cancer patients. They work with specialist suppliers and experienced hairdressers who offer wigs tailored to the individual child’s needs. Additionally, Little Princess Trust provides wigs for children who suffer from non-cancer related hair loss, such as alopecia.
Mirror
Libby went to a salon and had 11 inches of her Rapunzel-like locks cut off. With the help of her mother, she also started a fundraising venture for her hair to be made into a wig and an “End of Chemo” party for Aiden. The money will also be allocated to the CLIC Sargent charity and Aiden’s medical treatments.
There have been 67 pledges thus far, and the fundraiser has exceeded its original goal of £650 (about $1,008 U.S.), with a total donation fund of £1,230 ($1,908 U.S.). Numerous people have left comments on the fundraiser’s page to express their support, with comments ranging from “an amazing and inspirational little love story” to “friendship is everything.”
Speaking with U.K. publication the Mirror, Charlie said, “Libby is always by his [Aiden’s] side. They may be young but they adore each other. It’s a real love story.”
Screengrab via ABC News
