A BUSINESSMAN from Branksome Park had his head and beard completely shaved off to raise nearly £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

David Haselden, 50, who runs a business communications consultancy, decided to support the charity’s Brave the Shave campaign after his youngest stepson, Ryan, 21, had a benign brain tumour and his uncle Brian died after a battle with throat cancer.

He also says that his wife, Vanessa, is a clinical practitioner for Poole Hospital’s A and E department and said that a lot of the work the NHS does for cancer sufferersfor people with cancer is supported by Macmillan.

He added: “My hair will grow back but sadly uncle Brian won’t. I did this simply because Macmillan Cancer is a great cause to raise funds for and me having no hair for a short while is nothing compared to what they do and how many others suffer.

“I was motivated to do this for a number of reasons including for Ryan, my uncle Brian, and I’ve had a few close shaves, so to speak, including heart and neck surgery and a severe traumatic brain injury. However, I am forever thankful that I have not had cancer.”

David said that he has raised the best part of £1,000 so far for Macmillan and will continue to fundraise for the charity in the hope that those who haven’t donated to the cause already will do so.

“Having my head shaved is a small price to pay as the hair will grow back. Macmillan Cancer does great work both locally and nationally. That is why I chose the charity as I want to help raise funds and awareness.”

Steph Stevenson from HNB said: “We were not talking about a short haircut or a crop, this was a fully wet shaved and polished head and David also had his beard shaved at the same time so that all hair was completely removed.

“When David told us of his plans to raise funds we wanted to help him and will do all we can to support his fundraising efforts.”

For more information, go to Bravetheshave.org.uk/shavers/david-haselden