THE general manager of Parklands Leisure Centre has vowed to shave her head for Mental Health Research UK once she reaches her £1,000 fundraising target.

Carley, who has personally been affected by mental illness in the past, said: ‘I suffered a mental breakdown over Christmas last year and don’t think I will ever recover fully from what I experienced. That is why I want to raise awareness for it.’

As the current general manager of Parklands Leisure Centre in Okehampton, Carley has been at the forefront of a new scheme which aims to support the mental health and welfare of youngsters.

‘We recently have agreed to support the mental health and welfare of the Okehampton College students in their post 16 education. We are trying to encourage them to swim, offering this at a reduced rate at the centre. This ties in very well with me personally as I am currently fundraising for Mental Health Research UK and the college has very kindly agreed for every payment that comes to the centre they will donate £1 towards my target of £1,000. I am currently at £435, once I achieve my target I will be shaving all my hair off to raise more money for the charity.’

Mental Health Research UK is a network of national mental health charities working across the UK to raise funds so that more people can access support for their own mental health and for friends and family members who are affected by mental illness.

Carley will be raising funds with the help of the college, and through sponsor money boxes at the Parklands Leisure Centre reception. Once £1,000 has been raised she will bravely shave her head at the centre.

If you wish to donate, you can sponsor Carley at Parklands Leisure Centre, or you can visit her JustGiving webpage online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Carley-Parker