A WOMAN diagnosed with cancer when she was 28 weeks pregnant has praised a new NHS service that will boost the morale of patients who lose their hair.

Danielle Wales, 23, from Chester-le-Street, was pregnant with daughter Layla- Grace when she was told she had breast cancer.

The pharmacy technician underwent a mastectomy and started chemotherapy, which is still going on.

Rather than wait for all her hair to fall out – a side-effect of treatment – Ms Wales was fitted with an NHS wig.

But like many cancer patients, she decided she wanted a better wig, which she paid for herself.

Now, the NHS in the North- East is promising to provide the best-quality wigs.

Yesterday, Ms Wales joined other cancer patients at a hair salon in Sunderland to help launch a pilot service in the region, providing patients with a list of salons that will offer them wigs and styling advice.

Ms Wales said: “The new NHS service is fantastic for women and so important.

Losing your hair is one of the hardest parts of being ill. You are thankful to be alive, but when your hair falls out, it really knocks you back and affects your confidence.”

Also at the event was hairdresser Trevor Sorbie, who advised the NHS about setting up the new service.