A Paisley biker is revving up his efforts to raise cash for Robin House after his initial fundraising plans were cancelled.
Chris Richardson, a member of the West Coast Scotland Sportster Sickness motorcycle club, was due to accompany his fellow bikers on a drive to the Balloch children’s hospice last month as part of the group’s annual Easter egg run.
But the ride was halted following the coronavirus outbreak and CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) was left without the £2,000 the event usually raises.
Determined to find another way to fundraise, Chris decided to grow his usually clean shaven facial hair into a beard.
And the primary school teacher – who has never had more than a little stubble in his 45 years – has vowed to continue growing his beard until his fund reaches £1,000.
Chris told the Express he was desperate to do something to make up for the loss of funds the Harley Davidson enthusiasts have been raising for the past few years.
“During the lockdown I have been working from home and I was thinking what can I possibly do to raise money for Robin House,” he said.
“So I decided to grow my facial hair, much to the amusement of my colleagues and to the disgust of my wife Louise who is dying for me to shave it off.
“The fundraising target is £1,000, which is enough to pay for the weekly food bill at Robin House.
“Once we have reached the target I aim to shave it all off and broadcast the event via Facebook live, which will please my wife no end.”
Chris’ efforts have to date raised almost £500 and he hopes generous Buddies will pledge as little as £1 to the charity which has supported so many Renfrewshire families though the toughest times of their lives.
Chris added: “Robin House and CHAS is such a worthwhile charity and we – Sportster Sickness motorcycle club in partnership with the Blue Knights – like to do what we can every year.
“We go up with Easter eggs for the children and they get to see the bikes.
“It’s lovely to see them and see their wee faces light up.”
Recognising that many people are experiencing financial difficulty at the moment, Chris established the fundraiser hoping people would pledge whatever they could to the lifeline charity.
Around 200 people have donated sponsorship money so far, with many handing over more than the proposed £1.
Substantial donations have also been made by Street Customs, custom motorcycle builders in Clydebank, and Armstrong Massage Therapy in Paisley.
To sponsor Chris’ beard growing challenge visit paypal.me/pools/c/8oZvO9m05s
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Source: Daily Record