A CHARITY beard shave inspired when a relative was diagnosed with cancer in September took place last week – five days too late for the uncle to see.

Father-of-one Shaun Loader, of Avalon Road, Bridgwater, planned the fundraiser seven months ago when his uncle, Ian Martin, told him he had been diagnosed with cancer.

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The seven-month beard disappeared in an hour as experts at The Gentleman’s Room set to work, and the stunt raised more than £400 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The success of the event was in contrast to the news that 57-year-old Ian – known for his own beard – died five days before the event.

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But Shaun said that he was pleased to have raised so much money for a worthy cause.

 “It’s unbelievable,” he said. 

“To have raised so much for just shaving my beard is amazing.” 

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Shaun, 29, who married his fiancée, Terri, two days after the beard-shave said after initially being apprehensive about the date with a razor he is now starting to get used to his new look.

“I was nervous to be honest. I’d got so used to it and with the wedding coming up as well.

“My seven-month-old son, Charlie, had only ever known me with a beard so he just laughed when he saw me. I am getting used to it now though.”

Anyone who wishes to sponsor Shaun can still do so via justgiving.co.uk/shaun-loader

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