A horse rider from Rutland has braved the shave raising over £2,700 for the lifesaving local air ambulance.

Being a horse rider, having lived in Northampton for 10 years and now Rutland for the past 8, Vicky Laing is an avid supporter of your local air ambulance which operates both the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).

Vicky had just been selected to ride for Great Britain in the young riders European Championships – 20 years ago – when she had a serious fall from a young horse whilst out eventing.

"I had broken my lower back in a few places, crushed my pelvis, broken my collar bone, and had vast internal injuries," she said.

Without the air ambulance crew who attended her that day, Vicky would not have made it to the hospital as quickly, or as smoothly as she did, and has since always tried to support them.

"I understand how very important charities such as your local air ambulance are, and without everyone's support, they cannot keep flying and saving lives the way that they do.

"I wanted to make an impact to gain the support needed, so I chose to shave my hair off to support both DLRAA and WNAA."

Vicky showed no signs of being nervous earlier this month when the clippers came out for her charity shave.

She continued: "I was more excited than nervous as I was doing it for such a worthwhile cause. I feel proud that people have supported me and I love that they also love helping this vital charity as much as I do."

Vicky's golden locks were donated to The Little Princess Trust and she is now sporting a much shorter look.

"I am lucky that it suits me and I had a lot of positive comments saying how I looked like various celebrities, which is lovely to hear.

"I do prefer it now that it's been given a fresh colour though, rather than my natural colour – I have had it bleached with a bit of pink through it for fun," added Vicky.

The charity, which recently surpassed its 40,000th mission milestone, depends on generous fundraising challenges like this, especially as its set to receive two brand new replacement helicopters early next year.

Community Fundraising Executive for the charity, Vicky Evans said: "We are absolutely delighted that Vicky chose to support your local air ambulance for her incredible challenge.

"So far, Vicky has raised £2,725 which is amazing. We are incredibly grateful for community support such as Vicky's as it really is what keeps us flying and saving lives."

Vicky Laing is leaving her JustGiving page open until the end of the month – for anyone wishing to still donate please click here.