A teenager who lost her hair during chemotherapy is backing a charity initiative which encourages people to wear wigs for a day.

Charlotte Eades, 17, from Brighton, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in July last year. She underwent an intensive course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy after doctors also found tumours on her spine.

Charlotte and her family have been supported by CLIC Sargent, which provides emotional, practical and financial help to children and young people with cancer.

On May 21 the charity will host Wig Wednesday, which asks people in schools, offices and community groups to raise funds by wearing wigs for the day.

Charlotte, who is still undergoing chemotherapy, said: "The first thing I asked when I was diagnosed was whether I'd lose my hair. When the doctor said yes I was devastated. It's any girl's worst nightmare.

"I asked my dad to shave off my hair to a number two before the first round of chemo because I thought I was going to lose it all anyway.

"Even though I didn't want to lose it I felt better once it was gone, because I didn't have the anxiety of losing it in the future.

"The way I think about losing my hair now is, 'This is what I look like at the moment, there's nothing I can do about it so I'll go with it'.

"I go into town now without my hat on so that if there's another cancer patient or someone with alopecia they'll see me and think, 'If she can do it, so can I'.

"I'm supporting Wig Wednesday because I want to show people that they can have fun with no hair and play around with different looks."

To get involved in the event, visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/wigwednesday or call 0845 1212 492.