Scott taking charity challenge on the chin by vowing to shave beloved beard

Scott Berry has vowed to shave off the beard he has been growing for two-and-a-half years to raise cash for Cancer Research UK.

The 32-year-old, from Hebburn, is collecting sponsorship money to encourage him to get rid of his facial hair, and says if people donate enough, he’ll shave his head too.

Scott, who works for cancer diagnostics company Leica Biosystems, who work to improve lives through advancing cancer diagnostics, has set himself the challenge in lieu of taking part in this year’s Relay For Life at Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.

Despite being a regular at the annual event, Scott is having to bow out this year as his wife Abby is due to give birth at the time of the relay.

He said: “I usually take part in the relay with my mam, Alison, and a big team of people, but I can’t do it this year because Abby will be due to give birth and I can’t risk not being there.

“I’ve had my beard for two-and-a-half years now and some people don’t know me without it. My son Joseph is three and I don’t think he’d recognise me without a beard.

“A few people have asked me when I’m going to get rid of it and I always said I’d need a very good reason, and doing this is giving me that reason.”

Scott aimed to raised £150 towards his family team, Newtown Circus’ funds for Cancer Research UK, but has already pulled in £200.

He said if the total reaches £300 by Saturday, May 28, when he heads to PJ’s Cutting Shop, in Station Road, Hebburn, to have his beard shaved, he’ll get rid of his hair as well.

He added: “I’m getting a cut-throat shave so I’m quite excited to see what I’ll look like without a beard now that I’m a couple of years older.

“I’m nervous about it as well though, especially the thought of getting rid of my hair. It’ll be weird going in with a big quiff and a beard and coming out with nothing.

“It’s nothing really though in comparison to what people with cancer are going through. I’m lucky to have never really been personally affected by cancer, but I know that me getting rid of my hair and beard is nothing in comparison.

“Through the work I do, I see how Cancer Research UK helps people and I want to help them do that.”

To make a donation, go to relay.cancerresearch.org and search for the team Newtown Circus.

Put the word ‘beard’ after your name when making a donation.