A teenager who had a health scare after a cyst was found on her brain has had her hair cut to make wigs for children with cancer.

Charlize Vissenga, 13, of Ravensthorpe, hadn’t had a haircut since she was eight years old.

The brave youngster – diagnosed with a cyst on her pineal gland, known as the ‘third eye’ – had around 16 inches lopped off her thick, dark brown hair.

The hair will be donated to the Little Princess Trust – along with sponsorship money – to make wigs for sick children.

Stylist Lucy Jordan, at Bradley-based Peter Terence Hair Design, gave Charlize a brand new look, complete with highlights.

Charlize’s mum Marie, 44, said she was proud of her daughter.

In September last year Charlize was diagnosed with the cyst, found during a routine eye examination.

Doctors believe Charlize may have been born with the cyst which is now being monitored.

Charlize Vissenga has her plait of hair cut off to donate to the Little Princess Charity by stylist Lucy Jordan of Peter Terence hairdressers of Bradley.

Charlize, a student at Castle Hall Academy in Mirfield, has regular hospital appointments to keep a check on the growth.

The diagnosis was a big shock to Marie, dad Mark, 43, and brothers Ashley, 22, Lewis, 18, and Brandon, 15, and sister Tanya, 25.

“It was a scary time but Charlize has been very brave and when she found out about this charity she wanted to turn the negative into something positive,” said Marie.

Charlize set a target of £350, the cost of making a wig, but raised £360 herself with family in Newcastle collecting £150 and staff at the hair salon adding another £50.

Marie said there were a few tears when Charlize first arrived at the salon but she couldn’t wait to show off her new style at school.