Helping children across the world
In memory of her daughter, Wendy Tarpley Morris co-founded the Little Princess Trust to provide real hair wigs for young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Just 20 years later the organisation is now the largest wig charity in the world, having helped over 20,000 children, and are now one of the largest funders for child cancer research. Distributing their wigs to 120 salons within the UK and now reaching out to children across the globe, the charity’s humble beginnings began in Hereford where they are still based today.
Wendy believes wholeheartedly that the charity would not have been able to grow to the scale it has today without the backing of the Herefordshire community, where they found tremendous support from local press and businesses accelerating the national impact of the charity. Businesses have been on hand to help with logistics and fitting kitchens and flooring within the charity’s HQ. The organisation also cites its success to having a team of talent that’s sourced locally, with high response rates to job adverts and a wide network of individuals willing to volunteer.
We’re thriving because we are in Hereford and I think that’s an absolutely true statement. We wouldn’t have started if we weren’t in Hereford. If we were to do the whole journey again, we wouldn’t do it anywhere else, and I don’t think it would succeed anywhere else
Wendy Tarpley Morris, Co-founder Little Princess Trust
Thriving in Hereford
The organisation has been able to tap into other Herefordshire businesses by being a member of groups such as “Hereford Means Business”, where they could instantly find business partners to support the growth of the charity. Working with organisations such as HVOSS (Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service) has helped the organisation find a network of volunteers. The organisation even highlights how transport links are exceptional, allowing partners to travel to Hereford effortlessly. It’s safe to say Herefordshire can provide the backing that can create charities that leave a big impact.
