TWO charities have teamed up to help ladies affected by cancer not only transform their looks but also their confidence.

Look Good Feel Better is an international charity which provides free, practical support to women and teenagers struggling with the visible effects of cancer and treatment such as changes to their hair and skin.

Holistic therapist and make-up artist Andrea Mackrell has been involved with the charity for 20 years and its regional coordinator for the past seven.

She primarily works out of The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, The University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton and The Friarage in Northallerton.

So she was delighted to get involved with the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust which is based in Spennymoor, County Durham, to spread the charity’s work further afield.

She said: “I’ve been desperately trying to bring services into County Durham for years, what better a partnership than bringing the two charities together to raise awareness and self-confidence of local ladies, some who have been helped by the Trust already.”

This week the partnership will see Look Good Feel Better host its first masterclass in the area, for women who sometimes find the battle for self-confidence almost as tough as their fight with cancer.

A skincare and makeup session will be held at Whitworth Hall Hotel, on the outskirts of Spennymoor, on Wednesday afternoon.

Mrs Mackrell said: “Masterclasses bring groups of women together in a relaxing and uplifting environment.

“They are led by volunteer beauty professionals who teach the ladies vital skincare and make-up techniques that help to improve confidence and appearance, as well as providing group support.”

Trust founder Mark Solan said the initiative is a way of helping inspirational women battling cancer.

Around 15 people are expected to attend the class and booking is essential by contacting Mr Solan or Mrs Mackrell via Facebook.

Mrs Mackrell thanked the hotel for offering beautiful surroundings for the event and said if more women want to attend additional masterclasses will be held as soon as possible.