Grizly Jonathan longs for a shave (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Grizly Jonathan longs for a shave

5:00pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News By Daniel Orr, Reporter

A MAN who has grown his beard outrageously long while his brother was serving with the Army in Afghanistan is getting ready to shave it all off for a good cause.

Jonathan Walker, of Holme, threw away his razor and shaving foam when his brother Gareth was posted to the war-torn country in March – and he vowed only to shave it off when Gareth, 34, returned home safely in September.

And despite getting more than his fair share of ‘funny looks’ from people, he has stuck to his pledge – raising hundreds of pounds for Help For Heroes and The Army Benevolent Fund.

Gareth will be arriving home on Sunday, meaning Jonathan can finally get rid of his overgrown facial hair.

Jonathan, 32, said: “I wanted to set myself this challenge because last time he went to Afghanistan it was for three months, and I gave up alcohol – but this time it was for seven months and I wasn’t sure I could manage that long without a drink!

“Gareth and I are really close and I thought it would be a good idea to raise some money for these charities, seeing as Gareth has been serving his country in Afghanistan.
 

“It has been worth it because we have raised a few hundred pounds so far.

“Not many people, especially young people, have a beard this long so I thought it would be something different. I have got a lot of funny looks off people and some have said it’s a bit daft!”

The beard will go on Monday, October 1, when Sarah Fell, of Mirror Mirror, in Milnthorpe, will shave it off at The Smithy Inn, Holme, at 6pm, courtesy of the landlords, Tom and Pam Baxter.

The brothers’ dad William Walker said: ”We really hope people will come and support Jonathan and help to raise funds for these great service charities.”