TWO villages now have their own life-saving equipment thanks to fundraising by local residents.

Emma Richardson and her mother Margery had their heads shaved last November at the Blacksmith’s Arms in Lastingham.

The 25-year-old suffers from the debilitating illness Ehlers Danlos Hypermobility, which means all her joints dislocate easily and she is in constant pain.

Emma, who had waist-length hair, decided to have her head shaved to raise money to help other sufferers and towards local fundraising for a defibrillator in the village pub and was joined by her mum after supporters promised to double their original offers.

“We managed to raise £2,500, half of which went to the Hyper Mobility Syndrome Association (HMSA) and the other half to the Lastingham Defibrillator Fund,” Margery said.

“With the donations which had been collected for the defib at the Blacksmith’s Arms by the landlords Pete and Hils Trafford, and a donation from the annual Lastingham, Appleton, Spaunton and Hutton flower and produce show, there was enough money to buy two defibrillators.”

Margery added that one defibrillator would be situated in the pub at Lastingham and the other in Appleton-le-Moors.

“This is a big walking and shooting area and there are lots of organised events but it is also quite remote so these defibrillators will be of benefit to the community,” Margery said.

She added that the money donated to the HMSA would go towards publishing leaflets for schools to help teachers deal with children who had the condition.

“Very few people have heard of hypermobility and our aim is to try and raise awareness,” Margery said.

“I am really proud of Emma, despite everything she does things to benefit and help others.”

Training sessions with a representative from the defibrillator suppliers will be held at the Blacksmith Arms, Lastingham on July 23, 10am-4pm, and are open to anyone in the area who would like to learn how to use the equipment.

For more information and to book a place phone 01751 417247.