CLAIRE Forrester is in no doubt as to the best part of her job.

A stylist with Optima Hair Specialists in Birmingham, she regularly meets young cancer sufferers eager to glimpse their new real-hair wig.

“When they see the wig for the first time there are often tears – mainly from the dads,” says Claire, who has worked at Optima for four years.

“For them to have a real-hair wig is such a big thing and the best part of my job. To see everyone so happy just is great.”

Those children in need of a wig have usually lost or are losing their hair through the effects of cancer treatment.

When the wigs arrive, having been hand-made in China, Claire styles them to the child’s preference.

“Hannah Montana is the most popular look with girls, while David Beckham and other footballers are popular with boys,” said Claire.

The children are linked with Optima through Hereford-based Little Princess Trust, which covers the costs of about £3,000.

■ Meanwhile, motorists can show their support for the trust later this year by thinking pink.

The second Pink Car Rally will see vehicles in the trust’s colours make the journey from Hereford to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on September 6.

“Last year was great and all about raising awareness but this year we want to raise as much money as possible,” said organiser Sali Gary.

Anyone can enter and Sali can help fund-raisers ‘wrap’ vehicles with a temporary pink film.

She already has a three-year plan for the rally, which includes a John O’Groats to Land’s End trip in 2012 – the fifth anniversary.

Visit pink-car-rally.com or call Sali on 01452 618899.

The Hereford Times is campaigning to help the Little Princess Trust raise £130,000 to create a store of wigs ready to answer an appeal for help within seven days.

To contact the charity, call 0845 094 4509.

Anyone planning any fund-raising activities for the trust can let us know what they are doing by calling 01432 845884.

LITTLE PRINCESS TRUST FACTFILE: ■Provides wigs and hairpieces for children who have suffered hair loss as a result of cancer treatment and other illnesses ■Has helped close to 250 children across the UK ■Wigs are custom made, mainly in the USA and China, using real hair partly supplied by the charity ■Needs £130,000 to create a store of wigs to cut the waiting time ■Has no paid committee with the charity formed by volunteers ■Donations can be made via cheque, to Little Princess Trust, 28 Castle Street, Hereford HR1 2NW. Hereford branches of NatWest will host payingin books. Donations can also be given by following Just Giving links at littleprincesses.org.uk