A ROYSTON man bid a fond farewell to the beard that helped him raise more than £3,000 for cash-strapped Barnsley Hospice.

Robin Hall, of Cross Lane, braved the shave last week at The Wentworth Arms pub, in Mapplewell, supported by his friends and family.

The 46-year-old, who has had his beard for more than five years, was inundated with support as the fundraiser snowballed beyond his initial goal.

He said: “People have been incredibly generous and I honestly didn’t expect how well it would do.

“I think it’s testament to people in the community that they’ve dug their hands in their pockets and got behind this baldy.

“The work that Barnsley Hospice does is unbelievable, and it’s a charity that is close to my heart.

“I’m a local lad and so I think it’s important to support local charities who could be struggling through this pandemic.

“The money is still coming in even now, and I’m excited to hand 100 per cent of the proceeds to Barnsley Hospice in the next couple of weeks.

“I’ll miss the beard and my hair, but it just goes to show that something small like this can go a long way.

“Going hairless is definitely worth it.”