A MASQUERADE Ball was held in the Town Hall in Launceston on Saturday, February 10, as a result of one young girl’s dream to support the Little Princess Trust.
In July of 2016, Izabel McDonnell, who is now 11, had 11 inches cut off her hair at Craig Chapman Hair Design and raised more than £1,300 for The Little Princess Trust — she also donated her hair, which was used to make wigs for children with hair loss through cancer treatment and other illnesses.
Izabel first made the decision to support those with hair loss after seeing her own great-grandmother battle cancer. Izabel’s parents, Luke and Kerry, said: “It started when Izabel’s great grandma found out she had cancer, it hit the family hard and Izabel wanted to help, but being nine years old there wasn’t a lot she could do.
“With the illness getting worse and wanting to do something before she passed away, Izabel got on the internet and researched things she could do to raise money.
“She decided the best thing she could do to help was to raise as much money as she could and to have her hair cut off so that the girls who need it can enjoy it!
“She completely took this on herself and we’re so proud of her — this will help shape the lady she’ll grow into as she wants to be a charity worker when she grows up!”
Izabel decided she wanted to go one step further and asked for help putting on a masquerade ball and Craig Chapman was only too happy to comply.
The amount raised on the night was £5,000 and 330 people attended.
Craig said: “On behalf of myself, Will and Charlie Morris from Charlie Bears, we want to say a huge well done to Izabel McDonell for all her amazing hard work and dedication to raising money and asking us to help put on this incredible ball.
“Everyone was amazing and thank you so much to all of our fabulous volunteers who helped throughout the day, I’m so proud of the result!
“I also want to send a big shout out to Rachel Slater from Sparkle Party Plan who dressed the whole hall for free! Thanks to all of our sponsors, the band Aftershock, and DJ Tim Coleman. There’s already talk of a charity Halloween Monsters Ball this year, so watch this space!”