Martin's year-long beard bid raises cash for daughter's charity

A security officer at Mansfield's court who grew his beard for an entire year, raised over £2,000 for the charity that supported his family when his youngest daughter was dying from cancer.
Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year, pictured from left are Martin McShane, Gordon Jeffrey, volunteer for Clic Sargent and Ali Ozcan of In design barbersMartin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year, pictured from left are Martin McShane, Gordon Jeffrey, volunteer for Clic Sargent and Ali Ozcan of In design barbers
Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year, pictured from left are Martin McShane, Gordon Jeffrey, volunteer for Clic Sargent and Ali Ozcan of In design barbers

Martin McShane’s daughter Lea passed away at the age of 15, on October 31, 2013, and, on the anniversary of her death in 2015, he shaved off his moustache and goatee beard and pledged not to shave until exactly one year later.

The results of his ‘ultimate hairy challenge’ were removed by In Design barbers, of Queen Street, where Martin handed a cheque for £1,515 to CLIC Sargent, and added an extra £505 later.

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He said: “It was a devastating and emotional time for me and my family. CLIC Sargent were there for us throughout, supporting us all the way and still are today.

Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a yearMartin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year
Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year

“I thought - ‘Now I have done my grieving it’s time to do a bit for them and help other families and children that are maybe going through the same.’”

Martin, 49, sought permission from the courts and his bosses G4S to grow his beard which reached truly impressive proportions.

Freshly shaven, he said: “It feels a bit odd now it’s gone. I was getting used to it - now it’s a bit chilly!”

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Lea was 14 when she was diagnosed with cancer in July 2013, and lost her battle less than three months later at the QMC in Nottingham. She attended Ellis Guilford School.

Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a yearMartin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year
Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year

“She was a lovely girl, always smiling and very giggly,” said Martin. “But she was never wrong as young girls aren’t!

“She opened a lot of peoples’ eyes. The doctor at the QMC had to talk to her as an adult.

“Lea knew she was not well, and near the end she even chose her own funeral songs, Ben E. King and The Drifters’ “Stand By Me”, DJ Ironik’s “Stay With Me” and Rihanna’s “Shine Bright Like A Diamond.”

“She was very brave, right to the end.”

Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a yearMartin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year
Martin McShane has raised over £2000 for Clic Sargent by growing a beard for a year
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Martin added: “I would like to send a special thank you to everyone for their generosity and support throughout this hairy challenge, which includes friends and colleagues at Mansfield Combined Court, Lawsons Motor Centre of Blidworth, Premier 24/7 Security, local solicitors and G4S.”