A YEAR 4 student from Lindisfarne Anglican College has said farewell to her ponytail to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Australia.

Imogen Parry, 9, asked assisting principal Michele Chandler to cut her hair in front of the school's assembly this week.

Imogen said she was inspired to raise money for ovarian cancer after the disease claimed her grandmother in 2008.

"I would like to help raise awareness of this heart-breaking disease and raise some much-needed funds to help find a cure," she said.

Her mother Jude Parry said she has been fund- raising for several months.

"Over the school holidays she went doorknocking," Ms Parry said. "There have also been some very generous friends."

Imogen's goal was to raise $800 before cutting off her locks, but she has now collected $1500.

The young girl will donate her locks to the organisation Beautiful Lengths, which accepts donated ponytails to be made into wigs for women with cancer.

Ms Chandler said students at Lindisfarne often enthusiastic about supporting charities.

Joking that Lindisfarne could see a rush of girls wanting to cut their hair, Ms Chandler said it was unique for a child Imogen's age to make a decision like this.

"This is the first time I've seen something like this come straight from the child," Ms Chandler said.

Ms Parry said Imogen's sister would also donate her hair.

With about 140,000 women dying from ovarian cancer in 2008 alone, Imogen felt any act to raise awareness for the disease would be mean- ingful.