Charlotte tackles spider phobia with close encounter

But the brave fund-raiser put aside her terror to raise money for mental health charity Mind.

Staff at North Anston’s Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre helped to bring her nightmare to life – and net £200 in sponsorship.

Charlotte was so scared of spiders she has previously slept in her car to avoid one, but not only did she hold Rosy the tarantula in her hand, she was also brave enough to have Rosy on her head.

The centre’s marketing manager, Louise Larcombe, said: “We were all really surprised and in awe of Charlotte when she asked if she could have Rosy the Chilean Rose Tarantula on her head.

“She was visibly shaking on arrival and backed away from Rosy when she was placed a metre away from her, so the transformation was amazing to see.

“I think Rosy has helped Charlotte with her arachnophobia.”

You can still donate on Charlotte’s appeal page at https://www.justgiving.com/tarantula-terror/.

The centre offers Face Your Fears experiences for £30 per person. Visit http://www.butterflyhouse.co.uk/vip_experiences.php for more information.