A Rotary Santa’s beard which grew to nearly nine inches in length has raised more than £1,500 for charity. With hairdressers closed during the lockdown, Rotarian Peter Love, a member of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club, couldn’t get his Santa beard shaved until restrictions were lifted this month. So whilst the beard grew a lot longer than normal, the time was put to good use by Peter to canvas Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club members and associate members, family, friends and neighbours, in his fundraising project for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
“They have all done me proud,” said Peter today. “I am absolutely thrilled with the result which I am hoping might be a record amount raised in the shave off of a beard over eight and a half inches long. The figure of £1,500 isn’t final as I am still awaiting some pledges to be honoured.”
He once again thanked Risdons the Barbers of Shrewsbury Market Hall who performed the beard shave for free as their contribution to the fundraising. A large donation to Peter’s chosen charity was made by Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club whose secretary Gareth Watkins said: “A great fundraising effort, but it’s also nice to have our old friend back now we can recognise him again.”
Jo Bailey, events and area fundraising manager, said: “Peter’s beard shave raised an amazing amount of money for our lifesaving service, £1500 equates to 7 critical care car missions. Thank you so much to Peter and everyone who has donated to the challenge, it means so much to us all at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.”
