'Business as usual' as Allan Stone’s family pledge to continue his legacy with Stoney’s Barber Shop reopening

Stoney’s Barber Shop on Laygate, South Shields, will reopen to customers tomorrow (Monday, April 12) as the family of Allan Stone vow to continue his hard work.

Master barber Allan, also known as Stoney, died suddenly aged 46 on Thursday, January 28 leaving his family and the local community heartbroken.

Now his wife Rachel Stone and sister Lyndsey Stone are taking the reins of the well-known barber shop in an effort to continue Allan’s legacy.

Lyndsey, from Washington, told the Gazette that the family want to build on all the hard work her brother put into his business and career.

She said: “It’s very much business as usual. Before his death, Allan was at a point in his career where he was wanting to grow the business out even further.

"We’re wanting to maintain that vision as it is still his children’s future and we want to see it grow. I think Allan would be turning in his grave if we were to give it all up.

"Obviously he was the life and soul of the place but all of the staff are committed to making it as good as it can be, he’ll be a big miss but everyone wants to do him proud."

Following Allan’s death, the local community raised more than £21,000 for his family and Lyndsey, 37, has thanked everyone for their support during the difficult time.

She added: “I just want to thank everyone for their patience during this time and for all the tributes that have been paid to Allan.

"When we reopen on Monday, we’re offering everyone a drink on Allan as part of a celebration day.

"Obviously we will all be paying tribute to Allan but it will also be a double celebration as we look forward to the future of Stoney’s Barber Shop and the ending of lockdown.

"We’re going to have balloons and are going to try and make it a really special day.”

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