On 23 April 2023, Fire Protection Engineer, Martin Hills, will be getting a close shave for charity in his local public house, The Duchess of Kent.

Martin Hills is a regular in The Duchess of Kent pub in Northumberland Heath. Having spent many hours hearing stories from his friend, London cab driver, Paul Cook, about the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, Martin decided he wanted to raise some money to support the veterans.

Martin Hills says: Paul is always telling me about what he does to support the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans and how they are totally reliant on donations to enable them to take veterans back to Normandy and the Netherlands as well as to events across the UK. I decided that I wanted to help and after considering what I could do, I decided to shave off my beard. I am well known for my beard as its my pride and joy, but I think I can make this tiny sacrifice to support those men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Paul Cook, London cab driver and Taxi Charity volunteer, says: Everyone will enjoy seeing what Martin looks like under that beard! We might not even recognise him! I thoroughly enjoy volunteering for the Taxi Charity and I have met some incredible men and women who fought in WWII when I have driven them to commemorations across the continent. I am delighted that Martin wants to help by asking people to donate towards his beard shave.

Dick Goodwin, Vice President of the Taxi Charity, says: 2023 is a very special milestone in the charitys history as we are celebrating our 75th anniversary. We are so thankful when people like Martin are inspired to raise funds for us and we are looking forward to seeing him clean shaven!

Paul will be taking one of the veterans from the Taxi Charity family to The Duchess of Kent on 23 April to witness the beard removal and to help pass a collection bucket around the pub.

Martin says: I would love to raise £1,000 for the Taxi Charity. I know everyone in the Duchess will get behind me and I am sure there will be plenty of volunteers offering to use the razor but I have said Paul can wield the blade and hopefully we will reach the target.