A POOLE schoolgirl with a 'heart of gold' is having her head shaved in solidarity with her best friend after she was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Ten-year-old Ashleigh Lambert raised more than £1,000 in just three days after pledging to crop all her hair to support Chloe Fricker, and raise money for the Piam Brown ward at Southampton Hospital where her friend is undergoing treatment.

The girls, who are near neighbours in Alderney, have know each other since pre-school and are the closest of pals, always enjoying sleepovers at each other’s houses.

So when Chloe was diagnosed with Leukaemia a few weeks ago her best friend was determined she wouldn’t be going through it alone.

Chloe, who is undergoing chemotherapy, is likely to lose her hair in the course of her treatment.

Ashleigh, a pupil at Branksome Heath Middle School, had a tough start to life herself, after being born prematurely at just 26 weeks and needing surgery at just a few months old.

She is going to have her head shaved at Bourne Valley Fun Day on June 1. She said: “Chloe is an amazing friend – that’s why I want to have my hair shaved off as I want her to feel not alone when she loses her hair, also I want to raise the money for the ward she is currently on.”

Ashleigh’s proud mum Emma Stone said: “She’s got a heart of gold. She’s always thinking of other people.

“She and Chloe have been best friends since pre-school – more than best friends really – they are always looking out for each other.”

Ashleigh’s gesture has already touched many – with comments from generous donors on her Just Giving website including: “You can be very proud of yourself,” and “really inspirational – well done.”

Barber Chris Etheridge, who will be doing the shave, said: “I feel it’s the sweetest thing a girl could do for her best friend.”

You can sponsor Ashleigh via the webpage justgiving.com/ashleigh-lambert1.