A 29-year-old hopes to start the next Twitter trend by encouraging people to post a selfie wearing red lipstick to raise awareness about lung cancer.

Victoria Herd of Aberdale Gardens, Potters Bar, was devastated when her mother, Janice Leverett, died of lung cancer in March when she was just 59.

Mrs Herd said: “I have been left absolutely heartbroken, as not only have I lost my mum, I've lost my best friend and my guidance in life.”

But determined to help others in a similar situation, Mrs Herd decided to help raise money for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

After seeing how much money the #nomakeupselfie helped to generate, she launched her own version using her mum as her inspiration.

The product presentation developer said: “My auntie and I put our heads together and came up with the Redlipstickselfie. My mum always wore red lipstick – she couldn't be without it. Even when she was in hospital she had to have her bright red lipstick on.

“Even when we went on holiday, she would sunbathe on the beach, wearing her red lipstick. It was her signature look.”

The pair are encouraging people to post their photos using the hashtag #redlipstickselfie on Twitter or Facebook, and donate money to the charity by texting KISS76 £3/£5 to 70070.

The #redlipstickselfie has already raised £590 for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, and Emmerdale stars Verity Rushworth and Fiona Wade have got behind the campaign on Twitter.

Mrs Herd is delighted so many people have donated money, but she is keen for even more to get on board.

She said: “Anyone who has lungs is at risk, but sadly it is normally found at late stages, when it’s too late. I don’t want other families to go through what I've been through. There's so much publicity around other cancers, but hardly any of the biggest killer.”