'I've had a lot of positive comments': Horse rider from Northampton rocks new hair do and raises nearly £3K

A horse rider who lived locally has raised nearly £3,000 after the air ambulance was called to her bad fall.

Vicky Laing has been supporting the air ambulance charity since she had a fall from a young horse, while eventing 20 years ago when she broke her back and collar bone and crushed her pelvis.

At the time she had just been selected to ride for Great Britain in the young riders European Championships.

Now, two decades later, her most recent fundraiser - a head shave - has raised more than £2,700.

Vicky, who used to live in Northampton and now lives in Rutland, said: “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 Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire (WNAA).”

Vicky’s golden locks were donated to The Little Princess Trust and she is now sporting a much shorter look, although she showed no sign of being nervous when the clippers came out earlier this month.

She added: “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.

“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.”

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire charity, which recently surpassed its 40,000th mission milestone, depends on fundraising challenges, especially as it is set to receive two brand new replacement helicopters early next year.

Community Fundraising Executive for the charity, Vicky Evans, added: “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.”

Donations can still be made to Vicky’s fundraiser on her JustGiving page.

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