A few days ago, my daughter suggested that I should grow a beard during self isolation. Having been clean shaven for 60 plus years since I began shaving, this was a bit of a shock to the system but I decided to give it a go!

It further occurred to me that here was an opportunity at this difficult time to try to raise some much needed funds for Charity. As many of you will know, Saint Michaels Hospice* provides inspirational help to individuals with terminal illness as well as supporting their families in a very proactive way. I had personal experience of this when my late wife Joan was looked after there for almost two months shortly before she passed away, and sadly like many others, I have friends who have been or are being looked after in a similar way. I imagine that many of Saint Michael’s sources of funding are not available during this time and any additional help anyone can give will be much welcomed.

So my challenge is this: I will grow and cultivate a beard for as long as we have to follow Government guidelines on Coronavirus and will keep it (suitably cultivated, of course) until at least one month beyond the lifting of restrictions. That means of course that I could be facially hirsute for some considerable time!

To motivate me with this challenge, all I ask is that you make a suitable donation via my Just Giving page as below. My target is £1000 and to kickstart the effort I have donated £50 myself. However, any amount, large or small, will be welcomed. I shall of course publish photographs as proof of growth and cultivation!!

I hope you will feel able to help me with my challenge in support of this worthy Charity. STAY SAFE.

*Saint Michael's is here for people who need extra support on top of the day-to-day care they receive from GPs, district nurses, hospital teams and nursing home staff. Without the hospice, these people could be left to face the complex issues and forgotten challenges of terminal illness alone. We care for people with a variety of terminal illnesses, including heart failure, respiratory illnesses and neurological conditions; as well as cancer. Your donations are vital in raising the £5million that we spend annually providing this care.