Pensioner has lockdown hair and beard shaved off to raise money for children's charity
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An Ellon man who had not been to the barbers in 16 months has had his lockdown hair and beard shaved off to support the work of a children's charity.
Barrie Seddon (75) decided that he was going to keep growing his hair until he was fully vaccinated against coronavirus.
Mr Seddon recently received his second vaccination, so he was able to say goodbye to his unruly hair and beard.
He decided that he would use the occasion to raise money for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), a charity he and his wife Norma have supported over the years.
He said: "I hadn'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 grew to about eight inches long and my beard was almost fully covering my face.
"I received my second vaccination recently, so the time came for the hair to be cut. As I suspected I hardly recognised 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, 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
Related story: Ellon pensioner set for charity head and beard shave
