Hair today gone tomorrow as Paul boosts NHS funds

The 61-year-old from St Annes makes his living running a painting and decorating business but he felt it was time for a major makeover himself to help the health service during the coronavirus crisis.

He has sported a beard for more than 30 years but a sponsored shave of that as well as his hair has seen Paul raise more than £500 - and he hopes there is still more to come with donations open until the end of the month.

Paul, who completed the new look at home with the help of wife Sue, said: “Unfortunately, with the closure of my barbers, I was getting a little scruffy so thought about trying to do it myself.

“Then I thought, why not shave my hair of for the NHS Trust and when I sent the link to my friends, they all said that the beard would have to go as well.

“The only previous time that came off was also for charity – Trinity Hospice in the 1980s.

“My son Matt and daughter Natalie are 26 and 28 and have never seen me without one but Natalie reckoned she could do with a good laugh.

“While the barber usually takes care of my hair, I’ve never actually shaved my beard myself before. Back in the 80s, it was done by a barber and it has just been a case of trimming it since.”

Paul is eager to do as much as possible to help the NHS and the community during the current crisis.

As soon as his business Ace Decor had to close temporarily because of the lockdown, he volunteered for the NHS as well as the Lytham Covid-19 group, helping with deliveries and other essential services.

“It’s important to do our bit – we’re all in this together,” he said. “My mum Helen is 88 and on the vulnerable list and I know how important the volunteer work is, along with the vital NHS funding.”

Paul is a member of Lytham Green Drive and the Hole In One Society - named after the former pub on Lytham’s South Park estate – and he is grateful to his golfing buddies and everyone for their support for his fund-raiser. Everyone has been so generous - thanks so much for the contributions to such a great cause,” he said.

Details of how to donate at www.facebook.com/donate/242806370433733/