SHAVING her head wasn't enough for one Pershore fundraiser who got a tattoo on her head as well in a bid to raise money for a charity rescuing gorillas.

Julie Griffiths went under the choppers and then the tattooist needle on Monday (Oct 13) after deciding to do something a bit different to show her support for Ape Action Africa, a charity working to stop the illegal trade of gorilla meat.

The mum of two wanted to raise £500 for the charity by losing her hair and then having the flower of life inked onto her head.

But she far exceeded her own expectations and has so far she raised about £1,100.

"I had my head shaved first and it was so cold," said the 46-year-old of Mill Lane Close, Pershore.

"When he handed me the pony tail, I though there is no going back now. But I was so pleased because I had reached the £1,000 the night before. He went over it with the clippers and then used a cut throat razor. It was so smooth, it felt really nice."

Mrs Griffiths then put her newly shaven head into the hands of Katie Wilson at the Worcester Tattoo Studio for a tattoo done in the traditional way and not with an electric needle.

"The tattoo was alright, I was a bit apprehensive, I knew there was going to be some pain. But it was the least painful tattoo I have ever had. It took around three and a half hours to do in the end.

"It was a bit pinchy at the temple."

Despite some pain Mrs Griffitths said she was delighted to have raised so much money.

"I am absolutely thrilled," she added. "People have been so generous."

And it's all been in aid of Ape Action Africa, a charity for which Mrs Griffiths' friend works.

She added: "I used to volunteer at the Vale Wildlife Centre where Rachel (Hogan) worked. We became good friends and then she went off to Cameroon for three months and she is still there.

"She's just amazing and I really wanted to do something for her. She's given up everything."

To offer your support visit justgiving.com/Julie-Griffiths8.

For more information on the charity visit apeactionafrica.org.