Charity Beard Removal For NSPCC
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Imagine cultivating something for almost 7 years, tending it, nurturing it, feeding & watering it, and then destroying it in a matter of minutes one fateful night. Sounds terrible doesn't it? But this is exactly what 29-year old Mr Paul Francis Hennessy did when he made the heart-rending decision to remove his beloved beard & sideburns! Just so he didn't bottle out of the decision, Paul's first act was to tell as many living souls as possible so that nobody would let him forget it. Then, in an unprecedented show of altruism he decided that somebody should benefit from almost 7 years of effort, and chose to get a sponsored shave in aid of the NSPCC. (The excellent National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.)
The shaving ceremony was scheduled for the evening of Friday 29th April 2006, and took place at the Merton Manor Club. This is a well-known working mens club in Merton Park, London which Paul has been Bar Manager of for more than 12 years. This meant he was in a prime position to collect charitable sponsorship from all the members.("Sponsor me for the NSPCC, or we won't serve you! Argue, and we'll bar you!") In addition all Paul's training colleagues at the UKKFF pitched in too, via a popular thread on our Public Forums.
Eventually the prospect of seeing Paul's baby-like face prompted punters & friends alike to donate almost £1000 to the worthy cause, so all that was left was to sit him down & get the razors out! The depilation ceremony took place on the club's Karaoke Night to ensure maximum exposure, and the lovely Katie was roped in to perform the dastardly deed. After 5 mins of careful snipping, all that was left of 7 years growth was a small, hamster-like bundle of fluff in Katie's hand. The naked butterfly of Paul's face emerged from it's hairy cocoon and faced the world - only for him to vow to grow it all back again as soon as possible! Keep your eyes peeled, and perhaps in 7 years time he might just do it all again, and maybe the long hair this time too!
Huge thanks to everyone who participated or donated funds to such a good cause.
- Author: Lee Heron
- Sources: Pictures & interview provided by Paul Hennessy
