Ellon pensioner set for charity head and beard shave
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An Ellon man is set to have his lockdown hair and beard shaved off to support a children's charity.
It has been 16 months since Barrie Seddon has been to the barbers after he decided to keep growing his hair until he was fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
Mr Seddon (75) recently received his second vaccination, so the time has come for his hair to be cut.
His head and beard shave is raising money for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
He said: "I haven't been to the barbers for a hair cut since December 2019.
"When the pandemic hit and I wasn't able to get my hair cut and beard trimmed I decided to let it grow until I was vaccinated.
"I thought it would be a good way to fundraise for a charity my wife Norma and I support, Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
"My hair is now approaching eight inches long and my beard is almost fully covering my face.
"I have had my second vaccination, so it is time for the hair to be cut. A date has yet to be confirmed but it will be in the next week or so. I doubt I will recognise myself afterwards."
Mr Seddon has carried out fundraising before as part of his work with the town's Round Table and the Ellon and District Art Group.
He has created an online page where donations are being collected for CHAS.
He added: "My wife Norma and I are members of CHAS and we donate to the charity annually and have done fundraising in the past.
"It does great work to support children who have life-shortening conditions and their families.
"Its motto is 'Keep the Joy Alive' and it works to make the lives of the youngsters as happy as possible.
"I am grateful to everybody who has donated so far, with the money supporting these children and their families.
"Since the start of the pandemic it, like many other charities, has found its funding dramatically reduced and fundraising efforts seriously affected, especially during lockdown and the stay at home restrictions."
CHAS has been providing support for more than 20 years.
It offers a full family support service for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions.
This includes palliative care, family respite and support through its hospices, homecare services and hospital presence.
Anyone who would like to donate can visit Mr Seddon's Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barrie-seddon1
