A TEENAGER will lop off her long locks for charity.

Charlotte Lawrence, from Bridport, will shave off her hair in aid of Macmillan’s Brave the Shave campaign.

The 17-year-old was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a condition which causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon, in 2011 and says the treatment she received from doctors inspired her.

She said: “I’ve been in hospital a lot and the doctors and nurses have helped me a lot. They have inspired me to give to something back. They help us to feel better again and so this is to help to make other people feel better. I would like to help put a smile on someone’s face like they did with me in my down days.”

Charlotte’s condition causes her to her to feel sick, tired and she often has to rush to the toilet – something which impacts her life daily, especially at college.

“It does knock your confidence,” she said. “But I just get on with it because there are people out there who are worse off than me. I’m raising money for Macmillan because some of my friends have had cancer, leukaemia and alopecia. It’s a really good cause.”

Charlotte hopes to raise £600 for the charity and will donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which provides wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

The idea behind the Brave the Shave campaign is to stand proudly alongside people suffering from cancer. People suffering from cancer can go through hair loss and changes to their appearance and the campaign shows solidarity, while also raising money for Macmillan.

It has already raised more than half a million pounds around the country.

Charlotte, who will Brave the Shave on October 1, says she has been moved by the public’s generosity.

She said: “People have been very generous. It makes me happy people are there to help support me.

“At the moment, I’m not thinking too much about losing my hair but I know my nerves will kick in.”

To donate, visit bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/charlotte-lawrence