Whiskers away as Haworth men shave beards for Manorlands

John Hopkinson, 86, and John Huxley, 73, both from the Rotary Club of Haworth and Worth Valley, wielded razors in a sponsored shave challenge.

The Haworth men's close shaves raised more than £1,300, and club members celebrated this success at their latest online meeting.

The two Johns, who are both Haworth residents, were videoed during their de-whiskering, and the footage can be viewed on the club's Facebook page.

Nicholas Oughtibridge, the current president of the club, said the fundraising was an amazing result for the club.

He said: "As Rotarians we believe we should be involved in our community’s affairs and for us to be able to support Manorlands is a source of great satisfaction for us.

“We’re really grateful to the two Johns for ‘taking it on the chin’ for the club and Manorlands while we’d also like to say thank you to everybody who made a contribution.

“When we saw that Manorlands were having problems we just wanted to help as they are such an important institution not only to the Worth Valley but to Keighley and district.”

Hayley Ibbotson, the Senior Community Fundraiser at Manorlands, said: "We are incredibly grateful to John, John and everyone at Haworth and Worth Valley Rotary Club for raising such a fantastic amount for the hospice. 

“We rely heavily on the support of the local community to provide our care services and the funds raised really do mean so much to us, particularly during these challenging times. 

"The support of the Rotary Club helps us to continue to be there for our patients and their loved ones when it matters the most, both at the hospice and in the local area.”

The campaign will remain open until Monday June 1. Contributions can be made by clicking on com/ydzcpwza or by e-mailing johnthehux@gmail.com for details of how to make a postal or cash pledge.

Videos of the Beard shavings can be seen on the Haworth's Facebook page and its website at rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.php?ClubID=1847.