It’s an eight and a half inch long bushy beard…….and it might break a record!
For the long white whiskers grown by Rotarian Peter Love for his Rotary Santa sleigh duties was already worth well into four figures when it eventually came under the chop today (Wednesday).
Peter, a member of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club who grows his beard every year to be Santa on the fundraising sleigh as well as giving time for other seasonal duties, is asking the Guinness Book of Records whether he is a record-breaker. “I am confident it must be the longest and most valuable beard to be shaved off for charity,” he said today. “I am putting it forward as a record to be included in the Guinness Book of Records which I hope they will confirm,but, so importantly, the beard is raising the four figure sum for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and I wish to record my personal thanks to all donors who have been most generous in what has been a difficult time due to the coronavirus pandemic. These donors include members and associate members of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club, whom I can’t thank enough. In addition, family, friends and equally importantly my neighbours who have made this sizeable donation to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity possible.
“Everyone has been fantastic and this is the biggest amount I have ever raised for charity over many years of the beard shave which has become very much a part of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club’s programme. In normal times, the beard shave would take place at a club meeting so that members could enjoy the occasion to which they have made a donation. This year of course it is different due to the Covid-pandemic. So I wish to sincerely thank my hairdressers, the very professional Risdons the Barbers in Shrewsbury Market Hall, for once again most generously contributing to my beard shave funds by providing a free service at their premises. Without their continued support, my efforts on behalf of charities could not happen and over the years we have formed a great partnership.”
Donations to the beard shave can be made through www.shrewsburyrotary.co.uk
Jo Bailey, events and area fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Our daily missions are solely funded by people within the communities we serve and local businesses. Peter’s beard shave to raise money for our lifesaving service is a wonderful example of the many ways people can support our cause from home. Thanks go to Peter and everyone who has donated, on behalf of the crew and the patients we tend to every day, we are truly grateful.”
