Not for Profit
Close shave for Ian as lockdown beard raises brilliant £734 for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care
Ian Futcher: “My beard has grown to the point where people say I look like Tom Hanks in Castaway.”
Talk about a hair-raising way of getting funds for a favourite charity.
But it was a case of ‘hair today, gone tomorrow’ when financial adviser Ian Futcher from Poole had his lockdown beard of 22 weeks shaved off.
And the proceeds from the fundraising challenge – all £734 – went to Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.
Ian, a self-employed adviser at Quilter Financial Advisers, said: “As barber shops were opening up, I had booked to get my hair trimmed and beard chopped off, when it was suggested that I grow it longer and raise some money for a great cause.
“Over the weeks, it’s grown to the point where people who’ve seen pictures say I look like Tom Hanks in Castaway.
“It has been extremely difficult in the recent heatwave but knowing that I would be making a difference to someone else’s life kept me going.”
Ian, who had his beard shaved off by Bournemouth-based master barber, Kyran Woolrych, added: “My target was £500.
“However, through the generosity of colleagues, family and friends and the support of members of the Purbeck Business and Community Group, among others, I was able to exceed my target and raise £734.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity that everyone has showed.
“It’s such a good feeling knowing I’m helping local people living with life-limiting illnesses to continue receiving the care and support they need.”
The Pines Hotel, Swanage kindly hosted the lockdown beard shave off.
Lewis-Manning Hospice Care helps people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Poole, Purbeck, East Dorset.
Its free hospice care services include:
- Day hospice
- Creative arts & wellbeing support
- Lymphoedema clinic
- Better breathing clinic
