FUNDRAISERS have beaten their target to raise cash for a defibrillator in Stanford-le-Hope.

Rose Earley, a friend of Stanford mum Charlotte Yoxall, had her head shaved to raise cash towards the £1,500 for the campaign.

Charlotte’s nine-year-old daughter, Katie, suffers from a heart condition.

She approached the Arrhythmia Alliance and asked for details of the nearest public defibrillator, only to be told there isn’t one in Thurrock.

Spurred on, she decided to install one in the town and the Alliance offered to donate a defibrillator to Stanford-le-Hope, provided she could raise the £1,500 needed for the vandal-proof cabinet that houses it.

Rose, 31, volunteered to have her blonde hair clipped off at Treetops School, in Grays, and managed to raise more than £1,000.

Altogether the campaign raised £2,250, which will pay for the Stanford cabinet as well as a separate defibrillator to be kept at Treetops, where Charlotte works.

Charlotte, 34, said: “£500 was donated by the Open Arms Haven, which is a spiritualist group in Grays.

"Thank you to everyone that donated and helped with the fundraising, even people that have talked about it. I’m overwhelmed by everyone’s support.”

The campaign is gathering force and now Charlotte is hoping to get two more pieces of equipment.

She said: “We have now started raising money for one in Corringham town centre and Horndon-on-the-Hill.

“My friend’s brother, Alexis Phillips-Martin, died nine years ago when he was 18 as he was playing basketball over at Horndon park.

"He had a heart condition, but didn’t know he did. We are doing it in memory of him.”

To donate, go to www.justgiving/charlotte-yoxall2