Bethan's dream comes true with new long locks; In association with the NHS The day Bethan Cokeley has been waiting for all her life has finally arrived. Health Reporter HELEN RAE finds out what it's like for the eight-year-old to brush her hair for the very first time.

Byline: HELEN RAE

SMILING for the camera, Bethan Cokeley looks like any other child her age.

But the youngster has had to live with an emotionally devastating illness.

The eight-year-old, from Westerhope, Newcastle, suffers from a rare and cruel condition which means her hair will never grow beyond a few sparse wisps.

The illness, known as hidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, also affects Bethan's nails, leaving them unusually thick and brittle.

After family and friends rallied to raise the funds, the youngster now has her first ever custom-made wig - weeks ahead of schedule - after trying out some styles at a wigmaker's in Newcastle.

The long, blonde wig cost pounds 800 from Natural Image, in Newcastle city centre.

Mum Debbie, 38, said: "The wig has totally boosted her confidence. She's blooming.

"She absolutely loves it. We went shopping for the first time to buy bobbles and Bethan was in her element.

"We comb the wig and treat it like normal hair.

"We had originally thought Bethan would go for a short hairstyle, but she was desperate to be able to try new styles. She chose a long one, past her waist." Debbie, who also has a son Alex, 10, with husband Andrew, 42, added: "The wig is not hard to look after and she can wash and style it like normal hair.

"After Bethan came out of the shower it was the first time she felt wet hair on her face.

"It was lovely to see her so excited.

"It has been very emotional for us all.

"When Bethan watches hair adverts on the television she flicks her hair like them.

"She's touched everyone's hearts and it has been overwhelming."

Bethan was diagnosed with the illness, which only affects around one in 150,000 people in the UK, when she was just four, after Debbie took her to the family GP, worried her hair was not growing. She was then referred to a dermatologist, who took samples from her hair and nails.

Consultants from all over Europe saw Bethan and eventually concluded she had Clouston's syndrome, which is a form of ectodermal dysplasia.

Her dad Andrew, a cavity wall insulator, and 10 others from Gosforth RFC walked 60 miles along Hadrian's Wall, raising pounds 2,000 for the youngster.

Bethan will have to get a new wig every year as she continues to grow and it's hoped more fundraising events will take place in the future.

To give a donation, e-mail contact details to Debbie at [e-mail]

How are sufferers affected?

HIDROTIC ectodermal dysplasia is a congenital dystrophy of nails and hair characterised by thickened nails, sparse or absent scalp hair, and often associated with a thickening of skin on palms and soles. Sparse scalp hair and dysplastic nails are seen early in life.

In infancy, scalp hair is wiry, brittle, patchy, and pale; progressive hair loss may lead to total alopecia by puberty.

The nails may be milky white in early childhood, then they gradually become dystrophic, thick and separated from the nail bed.

CAPTION(S):

GOLDILOCKS - Bethan Cokeley, eight, of Westerhope, getting fitted for a wig by Maria Hastie, of Natural Image; SMILE FOR THE CAMERA - Bethan Cokeley suffers from hydrotic ectodermal dysplasia; NEW LOOK - Bethan wearing her wig