Blackpool entertainer Kelvin Wood has his closest shave yet during latest charity mission

Having been in training some months for London Marathon for children's charity Kidscan, he alongside thousands of runners were left disappointed when the event was postponed due to the pandemic.

However, with his fundraising already in action Kelvin came up with a cutting-edge plan to get friends and family adding some extra pounds to the pot by having his head shaved.

He said: " “I’m very proud of my hair and was thinking I really need a cut but the barbers’ are shut.

"I’ve never thought of having it shaved, but I’ve watched people online do it and I thought, if I’m going to do it, now is the time to do it.”

Since losing his dad in 2009 Kelvin has committed himself to serving others through his fundraising most significantly with the annual LW Rock 4 Macmillan concert at Viva every year ,raising more than £36,000.

Last September, Kelvin was selected as the only runner in the 2020 Virgin London Marathon after his emotional application won the hearts of the Kidscan team.

He added: "When the opportunity came up to support Kidscan I felt I wanted to do something for children with cancer and so applied”

”When I got the call to say I had been selected as their runner I was overwhelmed. It really was a dream come true. It also came at the right time as my good friend Joe Longthorne had recently passed away and I had just attended the funeral of my auntie, so emotions were high. Being offered the place, really was emotional and the uplifting news I needed.

“People were incredible and generously donated £10 & £20 notes, it was unbelievable how supportive people were. Also, the messages of support have been wonderful!”

“When I heard the news I was gutted to be honest, but on the bright side it’s given me more time to train and you can always do with a bit more training even if you’re at the top of your game.”

"I’m still getting out running regularly and I’m doing bits in the garden. I’ve got my exercise bike set up and doing it the old fashioned Rocky way with a tree trunk!”

Alison England, community fundraising manager at Kidscan said “The team at Kidscan can’t thank Kelvin enough for everything he has done. The money raised to date is enough to fund over 400 hours of vital research, which in these times is more important than ever.”

“The team at Kidscan are overwhelmed by Kelvins dedication, so after a zoom call the other day we have all decided to take part in the 2.6 challenge, to not only raise money for Kidscan but also show our support for Kelvin”

In 2021 the LW Rock returns to Viva Blackpool in aid of Kidscan.