INSPIRATIONAL Izzy Johnson is to sacrifice her long hair to help two worthy causes.

The seven-year-old, from Langley Park, is already Durham’s youngest Dementia Friend, having completed an Alzheimer’s Society course.

On Tuesday, she will have her hair cut off to raise funds for the charity, with the leftover hair donated to the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children with cancer.

Mum Hannah worked as a senior care assistant and a nearby care home before joining Alzheimer’s Society as a Dementia Adviser.

The Langley Park Primary School pupil said: “We don’t have anyone with dementia in the family but I wanted to raise money for those who have it because of all the nice people I met at the care home where mum worked.

“I enjoyed leaning about dementia and becoming a Dementia Friend.

“Now I’m going to pester my teacher to become one and hopefully my classmates can do the course as well.”

Hannah said: “Izzy would sometimes accompany me to work and chat to people living with dementia, so she became comfortable in that situation from an early age.

“When I started working for Alzheimer’s Society I began delivering Dementia Friends sessions, which are designed to improve people’s understanding of the condition.

“I practised on friends and family and Izzy was really keen to be involved. As far as we’re aware she is Durham’s youngest Dementia Friend.”

Lucy King, North East Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “What a marvellous gesture this is from such a young girl – her family must be very proud of her.

“We rely heavily on the goodwill of the public for much of our work.

“People like Izzy are incredibly important to us, not just because of their fundraising, but because they raise awareness of dementia in general.”