A Warrington primary school pupil has been recognised for an act of quiet generosity after donating her hair to a charity that makes wigs for children who lose theirs during medical treatment. Year 5 pupil Keeva Lee, from Evelyn Street Primary Academy and Nursery, has been named the Eileen K Halligan Kindness Award 2026 winner.
Act of empathy recognised by school mentors
Keeva chose to give her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which creates natural wigs for young people experiencing treatment-related hair loss. Her decision was noticed by Pastoral Mentor and Mental Health First Aider Jacqueline Breeze and Class 5 Teacher Alison Connolly, who put her forward for the annual accolade. The school confirmed she learned of her success last week.
“Understanding the profound impact that hair loss can have on children undergoing medical treatment, Keeva chose to transform a personal sacrifice into a gift of confidence and hope for a peer in need. This act was not merely about a haircut; it was a quiet, powerful display of empathy and a genuine desire to support others during their most difficult moments.”
Paying tribute to the pupil’s thoughtfulness, Ms Breeze added:
“By providing the raw material for a beautiful wig, Keeva has offered another child more than just hair – she has offered them the knowledge that a stranger truly cares about their wellbeing. Her maturity and generosity of spirit serve as a beautiful example of kindness in action.”
Award rooted in community values
The Eileen K Halligan Annual Kindness Award commemorates the founder member and CEO of Central Credit Union (CCU), a Merseyside-based not-for-profit financial co-operative focused on improving financial health and wellbeing across local communities. The award carries a £500 prize and aims to highlight primary-age children who foster unconditional, steadfast and selfless kindness in their communities.
The recognition emphasises the role schools and families play in nurturing empathy in young people, particularly where small personal choices can bring comfort to others navigating serious illness. In Warrington, where schools frequently collaborate with regional charities and community organisations, the announcement underlines the continued importance of pastoral support and wellbeing within the classroom.
Warrington pupils among those celebrated
Another pupil within the Warrington Primary Academy Trust (WPAT) also featured among this year’s honourees. Isabelle Oxtoby, a Year 2 pupil at Callands Primary Academy, received a runner-up certificate and a £50 voucher for the Eileen K Resilience Award, which recognises a young person aged 7–16 demonstrating perseverance, adaptability and positivity when facing difficulties.
| Award | Recipient | School | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eileen K Halligan Kindness Award 2026 | Keeva Lee | Evelyn Street Primary Academy and Nursery | £500 |
| Eileen K Resilience Award (runner-up) | Isabelle Oxtoby | Callands Primary Academy | £50 voucher |
Why this matters locally
While awards often spotlight exceptional achievements, this case highlights day-to-day kindness in Warrington’s schools and the tangible difference it can make for children undergoing treatment. By donating hair, Keeva directly supported a charity that provides natural wigs to young patients, helping to restore confidence at a time when appearance and identity can feel fragile. The recognition also reflects a broader emphasis on mental health and pastoral care in local education, reinforced by dedicated staff roles such as mental health first aiders and pastoral mentors.
- Keeva Lee donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which makes natural wigs for children in treatment.
- She was nominated by Jacqueline Breeze and Alison Connolly and has won a £500 kindness award.
- Callands Primary Academy pupil Isabelle Oxtoby was named a runner-up for resilience, receiving a £50 voucher.
Celebrating everyday kindness in schools
Teachers and mentors at Evelyn Street framed the award as recognition for empathy shown without fanfare. The sentiment will resonate with many local families who have seen first-hand the impact of cancer treatment and other conditions on children’s lives. In highlighting Keeva’s actions, the award organisers and school staff have offered a reminder that community spirit remains a defining feature of Warrington’s education settings.
For the pupils involved, the awards bring formal acknowledgement of values that underpin inclusive school cultures: looking out for others, taking practical steps to help, and persevering when times are hard. For parents, carers and the wider school community, they provide a reason to recognise and reinforce those values in everyday life.
