A MOTHER of two, recently diagnosed with cancer, has paid tribute to her best friend for standing by her and supporting her as she goes through treatment. Stephanie Lee, (right) 26, of Prince Regent Lane, Custom House, was diagnosed with Hodgkin s lymphom

A MOTHER of two, recently diagnosed with cancer, has paid tribute to her best friend for standing by her and supporting her as she goes through treatment.

Stephanie Lee, (right) 26, of Prince Regent Lane, Custom House, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma on Friday March 13.

Stephanie decided to have her hair cut before it began to fall out as a result of chemotherapy. She was joined by her best friend Natalie Bartlett, also 26..

They had their hair cut short and donated the cuttings to Locks of Love, a charity that makes wigs for children affected by hair loss, raising �500 for Locks in the process.

Natalie, who lives in Alnwick Road, Custom House, said they have done everything together since they first became friends some 23 years ago.

Stephanie paid tribute to Natalie's support, saying that she could not imagine coping with the condition without her friend's help.

Full story by Kay Atwal in this week's Recorder