With the exception of a few ill-advised days in my mid-twenties when I was briefly clean shaven, I've sported a beard of some description for more than 20 years.

Over the past few years it has steadily grown longer, though the hipster beard explosion is purely coincidental!

Anyway, I love my beard.  It compensates for the rapidly disappearing hair on my head, and better still, it hides my double chin!

Those who know me will attest to the fact I'm quite open about my experience of depression.  It's my way of attacking the stigma attached to mental illness, and while I'm happy to say my darkest days are now several years behind me, I remain committed to raising awareness and supporting those who work tirelessly to make a positive impact in this area.

The Kaleidoscope Plus Group does just that, and is relatively local to me in the West Midlands.  It works to promote and support positive health and wellbeing and is committed to making sure that the services and facilities it provides are of the highest possible quality and that they continue to develop to meet the needs of the communities it serves.

I am prepared to lose my beard and remain clean shaven for at least one full calendar month (looking ridiculous and risking upsetting my wife in the process!) provided I can raise at least £500 towards The Kaleidoscope Plus Group.

My good friend Brad Newlands at The Jolly Roger Barbershop, Stafford, will be let loose to hack away my substantial beard before brandishing his cut-throat razor blade and eradicating any trace of hair from my chubby face!

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