A TEENAGER who’s seen how Alzheimer’s affected the lives of some of her closest relatives has shaved her hair off for charity.

Caitlin Bedford, 16, isn’t like most teenage girls, with her mum Louise Turner describing her as ‘16 going on 85’.

So when she decided to get rid of all her hair it didn’t come as that big a shock to her family.

Her mum said: “This was something she’s wanted to do for a while now.

“She’s always had her own unique style - she doesn’t really follow the trends you’d expect of a 16-year-old girl.

“She cuts her own hair anyway, so I think she was just a bit fed up with it and wanted to shave it all off.

“So when I told her it’s something she could do for charity her eyes lit up.

“She always tries to give back and loves charity shops - she probably prefers them to the high street.”

Her shave has earned her more than £300, which will be split equally between Cancer Research UK and BIADS.

“My granddad passed away recently and he suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia,” Louise added.

“My partner’s grandma also has dementia, so she’s seen it from both sides of the family.

“We’re also donating to Cancer Research as my dad has been cleared from cancer and my partner’s two aunties passed away from cancer.

“They’re charities that are very close to us - I’m really proud of her.”