A young woman has spoken of her decision to shave off all her remaining hair, after suffering for nine years from a distressing condition.

Beth Palmer-Brown has Alopecia.

The 19 year old, who lives and works in Liskeard, will be having her head shaved at 3pm today at the Polkyth Boots pharmacy in St Austell, where she says staff have supported her for the last five years.

Beth will be raising money for Alopecia UK via her Facebook fund-raising page, and has already raised £210.

‘I have had Alopecia Areata for the best part of nine years,’ she said.

‘I was 10 years old when I first found out I had alopecia and it was the size of a £2 coin. I am now nearly 20 and and decided that my bald patches have become too hard to hide as I have lost around 60% or 70% of my hair.

‘I have persuaded the team at Polkyth Boots to help me shave off my hair in support of those who struggle silently or who have young children who have it.’