9-year-old Matilda Ramma cuts her long, thick hair and donates it to Wigs4Kids

MATILDA Ramm is just like many other 9-year-old girls.

She loves to dance, do gymnastics and enjoys playing with her new puppy Penny.

When she’s not being creative or enjoying being active, Matilda is going out of her way to make others feel special, delivering big, warm hugs and compliments to brighten people’s days.

With so much love and kindness inside, it’s only fitting that last Thursday Matilda had her long, luscious hair cut off to donate it to Wigs4Kids, whilst also raising much-needed funds for kids with cancer.

It’s an idea that was born purely from a sideways suggestion and an intense longing to help others in need.

“A close family friend donated her hair in the past and to me that seemed like a very generous and selfless thing to do” Matilda told News Of The Area.

“My hairdresser, Rachel from Lemondrops Hair, once told me that my hair was lovely, being thick and long, and asked me if I have ever thought about donating it.”

At 6pm, on the dot, and with scissors at the ready, Rachael gently took handfuls of Matilda’s hair and sectioned them into plaits.

It’s an important part of the process as it helps protect the hair’s length, direction and quality, ensuring that it can be used as intended.

With precision and care, Rachael cut each section from Matilda’s head, forming the start of her brand-new bob cut.

It’s a change that Matilda can’t stop raving about.

“It feels amazing.

“I can’t stop bragging about it!” said Matilda.

Ever since she was a baby, Matilda’s hair has been her superpower.

Born with a full head of thick black hair, she grew her first ponytail at just 10-weeks-old.

“It looked like a pineapple top!” exclaimed Matilda.

As she grew, so did her hair and it slowly began turning light brown with natural blonde streaks, remaining thick and strong.

“My mum and I were always receiving compliments about my beautiful hair.

“Many people would say “wow, people would pay lots of money to have hair like yours”,” she said.

But her hair was the furthest thing on her mind last Thursday, the primary school student reflecting on the why behind the chop and proving that empathy is sometimes not taught, but part of a person’s very being.

“It was important for me to do this,” Matilda told News Of The Area.

“I feel terrible that some are suffering from this horrible disease and that there is not a lot that I can do to help them.

“I believe that [donating my hair] is the best way that I can help, by making someone feel more comfortable and confident with a wig whilst they heal and recover.”

In support of Matilda’s quest, her mum Meredyth also cut her hair short.

While she may not have had enough to donate for a wig, her charitable spirit is long-standing, with her and her husband Luke’s actions inspiring Matilda’s quest.

“My mother was involved in a Jeans 4 Genes Day fundraiser, 100 Skips A Day in August, raising about $1500,” Matilda said.

“My father Luke was involved in the Cancer Council Shitbox Rally in 2024, where he raised about $6000.

“They both inspired me to do something to raise money and awareness for a good cause too.”

Mum Meredyth is in complete awe of her young daughter’s generosity and warm heart.

“All weekend she said she feels so free with her short hair,” said Meredyth.

“After the cut she was amazed at how much hair she had to offer Wigs4Kids.

“She has no regrets.

“I’m so incredibly proud of her.”

Matilda and Meredyth are still accepting donations to help support young people with cancer and their families.

The community is encouraged to donate at https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/fundraisers/meredythramm and consider how much they really need their hair in this warm weather.

By Rikki WALLER