A GENEROUS eight-year-old girl showed incredible kindness and determination when she donated 12 inches of her hair to help children affected by cancer.

The hair-cutting event took place at the Cross Inn, Broadmoor, where family, friends and members of the local community gathered to support her fundraising efforts. Her donated hair will be used to make wigs for children who have lost their hair during cancer treatment.

Alongside the hair donation, the young fundraiser worked hard to raise £2500 for the charity, with local businesses and residents contributing donations, vouchers and prizes to support the cause. The event helped raise valuable funds while also shining a spotlight on the important work carried out by charities supporting children and families facing cancer.

Her selfless act inspired many people in the community and helped raise awareness of the challenges experienced by young cancer patients. Supporters praised her bravery and generosity, recognising the difference her donation and fundraising efforts will make to children in need.

The event proved to be a wonderful success, demonstrating how one young person’s compassion can bring a community together and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

ANIMAL rescue organisations are urging people to think twice before intervening with young gulls this summer, warning that many birds taken into care do not actually need help.

The RSPCA, Scottish SPCA and British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council say thousands of gulls are brought into rescue centres every year, with many cases involving healthy chicks or fledglings that have simply left the nest as part of learning to fly.

The organisations say well-meaning members of the public often mistake this normal stage of development for abandonment, even though parent birds are usually nearby and continue to feed and protect their young.

RSPCA wildlife rescue expert Verity Miles said: “Each summer, our wildlife centres see a surge in young gulls being brought in by kind members of the public.

“Gulls are such underappreciated animals, so it’s amazing so many people want to help them. However, in many cases these birds have not been abandoned, but have left the nest as they learn to fly. This is a normal part of their development.

“Their parents will usually remain nearby and continue to feed and protect them, but sadly many well-meaning passers-by will mistake this for abandonment.”

The warning comes as rescue teams prepare for the peak breeding season, when calls about gulls rise sharply.

Sean Meechan, Wildlife Operations Lead at the Scottish SPCA, said officers attend thousands of gull-related calls every year, particularly in early summer.

He said: “While some situations do require intervention, the majority involve healthy birds that are best left alone.”

Experts say removing a healthy chick or fledgling can cause stress and reduce its chances of survival. They also warn that disturbing or taking gulls, eggs or nests can be an offence unless there is a genuine need to intervene.

Paul Reynolds, Chair of the British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, said: “Taking a healthy chick or fledgling away from their parents can cause stress to the young bird and significantly reduce their chance of survival.

“Not only that, but it is also an offence to disturb, or take gulls or eggs from their nests, unless absolutely necessary, so you may inadvertently be breaking the law by bringing in gulls that are not sick or injured.”

The RSPCA says it has cared for nearly 4,000 gulls in its wildlife centres over the past five years, with admissions peaking in June. More than half involved young birds believed to be orphaned or grounded.

The Scottish SPCA attended more than 11,000 gull-related incidents over the same period.

The organisations say the public should leave uninjured young gulls where they are so their parents can continue to feed them. Very young chicks in immediate danger can be moved carefully to a nearby safe, elevated spot if possible.

People should only intervene if a bird is clearly sick or injured.

Anyone who finds an injured baby gull is advised to contact a vet or reputable wildlife rehabilitator. Injured adult gulls can be reported to the RSPCA in England and Wales, or the Scottish SPCA in Scotland.

Rescue organisations also warn that unnecessary handling and higher numbers of birds in care can increase the risk of disease transmission, including avian influenza.

Sean Meechan added: “The Scottish Government advises against handling gulls. If you’re concerned, the best course of action is to contact us and we can assess the situation.”

A CHARITY music event will take place at Pembroke Castle this month, offering visitors a picnic-style day of live entertainment in historic surroundings.

Voices at the Castle, presented by Paul Sartori Hospice at Home and Pembroke Castle, will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026.

Organisers are encouraging people to bring chairs, blankets and picnics for the event, which promises a relaxed outdoor setting inside one of Pembrokeshire’s most recognisable landmarks.

Visitors are asked not to bring tents or gazebos. Sealed fizzy drinks may be brought, but alcohol is not permitted as there will be a charity bar on site. Additional food options will also be available.

The event is expected to raise funds and awareness for Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which provides end-of-life care and support for people across Pembrokeshire.

Tickets and booking information are available through the Pembroke Castle events page at www.pembrokecastle.co.uk/events/