Close shave for police officer haircut raises thousands for charity

PC Richard Lymer, who works in Staffordshire Police’s Road Policing Unit, underwent a close shave as he had his 22-inch-long locks chopped on Saturday, May 22 after spending seven years growing it for a good cause.

PC Lymer decided to ask sponsors to donate towards Katharine House Hospice, the StrongMen charity and Mummy’s Star after colleagues were supported by the organisations during difficult times in their lives.

The StrongMen charity helps men cope with bereavement; Mummy’s Star supports women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy or within 12 months of giving birth, while Katherine House Hospice supports families coping with life-limiting illnesses.

Since his fundraising began, PC Lymer has raised a total of £8,035.12, which will be split between each charity.

The charitable efforts were marked by a special community event which saw people from the local area invited to watch Rich get his hair cut, with many also following on social media.

He said: "The success of my fundraising is not down to my efforts alone but down to the generosity of friends, family, colleagues and even people who have never met me before.

"Through donations, social media shares or just kindness in attending my event to support me has meant I have achieved this amazing figure.

"I would like to say how proud I am of my achievements but the greater sense of pride comes from being given the opportunity to raise funds to help support these charities so that they can continue to support those who need it."

To find out more PC Lymer's fundraising efforts and to make a donation, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lopping-lymers-locks.