A nine-year old girl from Worcester Park who had never had a haircut has had it chopped off for charity after being inspired by a girl doing it on television.

Daisie Edwards, who was diagnosed with high-functioning Asperger’s syndrome and autism in 2014, decided on making the cut while watching Good Morning Britain – she is a fan of the show and especially of Piers Morgan.

Mum Samantha said: “From that moment she decided that's what she was going to do. She said ‘it’s my hair – my decision, I want to help other children feel accepted and be happy’.

“I thought she was crazy to cut off her hair as she has never had a haircut, but seeing how determined she was and how strongly she felt there was no holding her back.”

Daisie’s condition can make it difficult to control her emotions and deal with change, but she has done a lot of research and found famous people with her condition – giving her confidence in her ability to achieve anything she wants.

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Samantha said: “Daisie is a very bright and bubbly girl with an infectious personality; she is able to put a smile on the face of everyone she meets.

“I just cannot believe how blessed I am to have a daughter like Daisie. Every day she makes me so proud of her with what she achieves. Her confidence is growing more and more, and she is so determined not to let anything hold her back.”

Daisie, who lives in Malden Road, goes to Tolworth Infant and Nursery School, which Samantha described as an “amazing support system” for them both.

All money raised will go to the Autistic Society and Momentum Cancer Charity in Kingston, and the total so far is about £2,000.

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The hair was cut off at a party at Wandgas Sports and Social Club on Saturday, March 17, with every cut of Daisie’s plaited hair having a countdown and receiving a cheer.

Samantha said: “Friends and family were in tears as she had it cut at how brave she was, but it didn't seem to faze Daisie at all; she smiled throughout it. She couldn't wait for the next day to finally be able to do her own hair and it not take forever.

“The support has been amazing, and I think that is what made her feel even stronger about doing it. Her friends think she looks great.”

Because there are no companies in the UK that accept Daisie’s afro style of hair, it is being sent to American company Locks of Love.