For the first time ever, the Malta Community Chest Fund will be helping patients whose hair falls off because of chemotherapy by providing them wigs made out of hair donated by Maltese during L-Istrina.

Addressing a press conference, project coordinator Matilde Balzan explained that hundreds of people donated their hair last year. In 2014, around 180 patients needed a wig because of cancer, among which, children.

It was only after hairdresser Ian Miller offered his service on a voluntary basis to clean cut hair and professionally prepare it to be used to create wigs abroad. Maltapost and the customs department offered their services for free for cut hair to be sent abroad and wigs to be sent to Malta.

The MCCF will be offering wigs for free or in return for a small donation for those who can’t afford them. Patients also have the opprotunity to cut their own hair before starting chemotherapy, and a wig made by their own hair can be provided to them.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said that its is emotional to see hair being transformed into wigs to offer comfort for those whose hair falls off because of illness.

Dyed, but not bleached hair can be donated and the length should not be less then 30cm. Ideally, the hair is cut as a ponytail and not braded.

Hair donations are being accepted at San Anton Palace. For more information call 21226226.