Going, going, gone . . . Telford worker looking trim for cancer charity
He used to look like a lead singer in a ZZ Top tribute band. But now 29-year-old Richard Atherden has decided to cut off his Game of Thrones-esque beard for a good cause.
Richard is starting work as a trainee photocopier engineer at Unique Copiers in Telford on Tuesday and thought it was a case of "new year, new job, new look", with all money raised from the effort going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Adrian Casey, owner of Unique Copiers, and Richard both play for Wellington Cricket Club and decided they would like to do something for the the charity after the sister of a teammate at the club was diagnosed with cancer in the summer.
Richard had his beard shaved at 5pm on Wednesday and is hoping to raise as much money as possible.
Richard said: "Adrian and I got chatting about the sister of one of the lads who plays at the club who was diagnosed with cancer during the summer.
“Adrian and I thought it would be nice to do something generically for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“I’ve had my beard for three years and it seemed the logical thing to do - new year, new job, new look - and it’s also something I can do to raise some money for the Teenage Cancer Trust.”
Adrian said: “We are delighted to welcome Richard to the company but were a bit concerned about health and safety - we didn’t want him getting his beard stuck in the photocopier!
“But, seriously, this is a wonderful cause. There are various things in the pipeline with members of the cricket club and Richard and I had a chat and decided to do something for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Richard won’t be starting with us until January 2 but we can’t wait to welcome him early for the big beard shave for such a deserving cause.
“Being diagnosed with cancer is always difficult and it brings it home to all of us even more when it is someone you know.”
Anyone wanting to donate to Richard’s beard shave can email Richard at richardatherden@gmail.com
