Ricki Hall readies for big shave... and the Tom Selleck look

The former mechanic has climbed the modelling ladder with his distinctive look centred on tattoos and, of course, his formidable beard.

But in a bid to raise £10,000 for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, in memory of his father John, Ricki has decided that it's now time for the beard to go.

The pair had been particularly close as Ricki previously worked for his father at the family-owned Highway Motorcycles garage just outside the city centre off Stafford Road.

And when he broke through into the modelling scene aged 23 after being spotted outside a Topshop store, his father was a great support.

Ricki, now 29, said: "When he realised I had been spotted and that I would have to move to London he supported me.

"I moved down to London with no money and he would help me out in those early days. He actually loved his son breaking away from the family business.

"When I was younger he would take me down the Molineux for the Wolves games all the time and we would have a Bovril and a pint.

"He liked a curry and he liked a pint. I had my first beer with him - he was a proper lad and that was the kind of relationship that we had."

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and usually, as in John's case, is linked to asbestos exposure.

The beard will be shaved off on July 23 at Thy Barber, in Shoreditch, London. He will be joined by a few close friends including his tattoo artist, Aaron.

It will be the first time in six years that Ricki's cheeks will have felt the sun.

Fans and admirers have been pondering how the shave will affect his look and, crucially, whether or not his moustache is also facing the axe.

The man himself has given an indication of what he is aiming for.

He said: "The moustache is staying. It is a Tom Selleck sort of look that I'm going for.

"In a way the beard has really helped my career - the beard and tattoo look has been in the last year few years.

"So to get rid of it is a bit frightening but I am really excited too.

"To be honest I am scared I won't recognise myself, but at the end of the day it is about raising awareness and money for what is a great cause."

Ricki's new look will also be a bit of a shock for his seven-year-old daughter, Aaliyah.

"My daughter has not seen me without it so it is quite a scary but exciting time for her," he said.

"I am not sure how she will deal with it - she will be able to hear my voice but may not recognise me.

"I am going to try and get her to do a bit of the shave so she is part of it all."

This year has marked a fresh start for the former Codsall Community High pupil, who briefly dated Ozzy Osbourne's daughter Kelly in 2014, as he decided to have his facial tattoos removed and is cutting out alcohol.

For now his focus is on raising as much money as possible but soon he will start filming for a new travel show set to appear on Red Bull TV next year.

Visit www.rickisamhall.com for more information on the shave and to donate.