Debbie's home-based company Hair Supply, which specialises in custom-made hair pieces, was launched following her own nine-year struggle with the hair loss condition which tore her life apart.

Said Debbie: "My alopecia began in 1999. At first it was one clump but after nine months I had completely lost my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes and the effect on my life was devastating.

"At the time I was married and had a very good job at the Yorkshire Building Society. I was a well known face about town and all of a sudden I was going bald and I was desperately embarrassed about it. I lost my confidence and my marriage broke down. I stayed in my job but people often commented on my looks and it was hard."

But for the 46-year-old, of Town Moor, the toughest trials came whenever she needed to visit a wig shop.

"The embarrassment of walking in to these shops and having to explain what I wanted to the shop assistants amid the regular shoppers was horrendous."

"The hair pieces - I hate the word wig - were often ill-fitting and looked so phoney."

Debbie decided she needed a custom-made piece and eventually after a lot of searching, found a specialist who was able to make what she wanted.

"The difference was immediately obvious because it was moulded exactly to my head and so it was much more comfortable to wear."

With false lashes, semi-permanent eyebrows and her new hair, Debbie's confidence began to grow again and she started to rebuild her life.

She started a new relationship and took a high-powered job in London, which although short-lived because of the credit crunch, left her with the means to start Hair Supply.

Debbie said: "I am great believer in fate and I think sometimes it was meant to be this way so I could use my experiences to help others.

"I don't want anybody to suffer the embarrassment I felt asking for hair-pieces in a shop and that is why I started Hair Supply."

By visiting clients at home, Debbie, who is now fully qualified as an expert in custom-made hair, believes her discreet service will be enormously beneficial to anyone who has suffered hair loss.

"I don't only cater for people with alopecia. My service can help cancer patients, burns sufferers, people who are transgender or simply people whose hair is naturally thinning. I take referrals from GPs and specialist support groups but anyone can get in touch.

"I'm just delighted to be able to help." she added.
To contact Debbie for an appointment, call 07765 172045.