A PLYMOUTH woman who suffers from hair-loss due to alopecia has helped to organise the first UK camp for people affected by the condition.

Michelle Chapman, 42, has suffered from the condition since she was five years old, and has been campaigning on behalf of the Alopecia Awareness charity for more than 20 years.

The camp, which will be held in Scarborough on July 30, will be open to adults and children with alopecia, along with their families.

Michelle hopes that giving sufferers the opportunity to meet each other and talk openly about how they feel at the camp will help them to come to terms with the way they look.

She said: "When I was growing up, I spent 10 to 15 years thinking I was the only girl in the world who didn't have hair. If I'd had an opportunity like this to meet other people with alopecia, it would really have helped both me and my family."

Campers can take part in activities such as dancing, karaoke and a disco during the Wild West themed event, without worrying about standing out.

Michelle added: "I've realised that hair doesn't define who I am. The whole point of the camp is for people to come and realise that they are just accepted as they are."

Source The Herald (Plymouth)