Hey guys - It's me, Kaz Crossley and I'm here to speak about a children’s cause that has moved me so much, but they really need your help!

As some may know, I went through a series of traumatic events that resulted in me developing alopecia areata, a disease where the immune system attacks hair follicles leading to hair loss. In learning more about this disease and connecting with others who have experienced or are experiencing it as well, I have been so fortunate to come across Little Lady Locks, a Manchester based charity dedicated to providing free services to children facing hair loss from alopecia and cancer.

As an adult, my exposure to the incredible challenges associated with hair loss has been humbling. I’ve experienced how it can affect an individual not just physically, but with self-confidence, mental health, and emotionally as well. For the past few months, I’ve spent time with children facing the same issues on a much greater scale and through life-threatening situations, wanting desperately just to be kids. Though my personal experience feels daunting, it is nothing in comparison to what these children are going through.

Little Lady Locks creates custom, high quality, hand-made wigs for children suffering with alopecia to any extent, as well as those undergoing chemotherapy. It allows them to spend less energy being self-conscious and focus more on the larger battles they are silently facing. However, due to overwhelming growing demand for this charity’s great cause, there is currently a 2 month wait for a child to receive a wig with referrals steadily increasing- and in some cases, 2 months for a child may not even be guaranteed. This is why they desperately need our help.

My brand, Kazbands, which is already committed to supporting women dealing with hair loss, has and will continue to donate our products and portions of our proceeds to Little Lady Locks. In addition, I’ve decided to start this fundraiser, setting a goal of raising £10,000- equivalent to fulfilling the referrals of 20 children, as it costs the charity £500 to pay the wigmakers per wig. They ensure each wig is personalised to each child and not only look REAL but have the highest quality they deserve. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference these wigs can make for these children that shouldn’t have to deal with these types of issues.

To kick off this fundraiser, I will be running the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, April 14th; guys, this is a challenge for me, but one I am so excited for because I know I'm not doing it to just test myself, but as one way to raise money and awareness for something that I truly care about.

I am in awe of how these children face these character-defining journeys, and I wish to only to make it any easier for them, if it is at all possible. Children are our future and we must protect them, especially with mental health and from the harms of depression. Which absolutely no child should be going through! I will be documenting everything on instagram and sharing the stories of the beautiful children whose lives you will be helping. Please donate, share this with your friends and spread the world to help this amazing charity and these children that deserve to feel the best they can.

I know exactly what my platform can do when we come together. Thats why I love you guys!

Let's do this!!!! Thank you so much,

UPDATE** - What an amazing moment, I can’t believe it but my hair has all been shaved off to donate towards making a wig for a little girl. (And my mum joined in and shaved hers too!)

It’s been so amazing supporting this wonderful charity, Little Lady Locks. Thank you so much to everyone who’s donated, you really have changed so many lives. We’re so close to £30,000, please give what you can as every little helps.

kaz x