A woman from South Shropshire shaved her head for a good cause, raising more than double her target amount for life-saving defibrillators in her local area

Mandy Owen set out to raise £2000 for defibrillators in the surrounding areas of Bucknell and Leintwardine, but thanks to the generosity of her supporters, she managed to collect a staggering £4143.32.

Mandy, said she was inspired by her own personal experience of needing a defibrillator when she collapsed at home. She said she was lucky to have one nearby, it had only been delivered on the Saturday, it was on the Sunday that Mandy's brother Ian Owen, used the defibrillator that ultimately saved Mandy's life. Mandy wanted to make sure others had the same chance of survival. 

“I was nervous about doing it, but I also felt excited and proud,” she said. “I had a lot of support from my family, friends and colleagues, who cheered me on and donated generously.  I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me achieve this amazing result.”

Last night, Mandy presented the cheque to her brother Ian and the Clun Valley AED scheme, which will use the money to provide vital defibrillators in the local area. The scheme is run by volunteers who install and maintain the devices.