A YOUNGSTER from Shropshire has 'braved the shave' to raise money for charity in the aftermath of her uncle suffering a brain hemorrhage.

Ellie-Mae Smith, 13, a pupil at Adcote School for Girls, took part in a fundraising event on Thursday, which saw her have all of her hair chopped off then shaved to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) who had saved her uncle's life in 2017.

Speaking before the shave, Ellie, who is head girl at the prep school, said: "My uncle is an armed forces RAF veteran who has served in war zones across the world. He was 43-years-old, fit and healthy and seemingly invincible.

"He suffered an aneurysm in his brain which could have killed him if it wasn't for the quick response of the Wales Air Ambulance crew who came to his aid.

"We as a family owe them so much for the brilliant job that they do and it's a way of looking back at an eventful year.

"Just think, you'll never know when you're going to need them."

The shave was undertaken by Ellie-Mae's classmates and her mum Debbie Hall, who said: "Two years ago my brother suffered a brain haemorrhage and they [WAA] saved his life.

"I'm so grateful to them and very proud of Ellie-Mae."

As well as fundraising for the WAA, the brave pupil is also donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust, who provides real hair wigs free of charge to children and young people who have lost their own hair due to cancer treatment and other conditions.

Ellie-Mae's kind deed was met by applause from her peers, friends and family and headmistress Diane Browne.

She said: "What a brave thing for a young girl to do for a brilliant cause. We are really proud of her.

"And what can I say – she really suits it.

Neil Parker, Ellie-Mae's uncle, said: "She's incredible. It's a massive thing for a young girl to do. It's very humbling."

Ellie-Mae added: "I feel a bit breezy.

"I will panic later I guess but you just have to keep thinking about why you're doing it."

Anyone wishing to donate, can do so by visiting www.gofundme.com/1o2loq95yo