Year-long beard bid in daughter's memory

A security officer at Mansfield's court is growing his beard for a year to raise cash for the charity that supported his family when his youngest daughter was dying from cancer.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Apr 2016, 16:54 BST
Updated 12th Apr 2016, 16:57 BST
Lea McShaneLea McShane
Lea McShane

Martin McShane’s daughter Lea passed away at the age of 15, on October 31, 2013, and now he is appealing for sponsorship and support for what he describes as the ‘ultimate hairy challenge’ to repay CLIC Sargent.

He was clean shaven on the anniversary of her death in 2015 and says he will shave off the results exactly one year later.

He said: “I am trying to raise as much money as I can.

Martin McShane is growing his beard for a year to raise cash for the cancer charity that supported him during his daughter's illness.Martin McShane is growing his beard for a year to raise cash for the cancer charity that supported him during his daughter's illness.
Martin McShane is growing his beard for a year to raise cash for the cancer charity that supported him during his daughter's illness.
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“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.

“They have always kept in touch and sent us remembrance cards.

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

Martin McShane is growing his beard for a year to raise cash for the cancer charity that supported him during his daughter's illness.Martin McShane is growing his beard for a year to raise cash for the cancer charity that supported him during his daughter's illness.
Martin McShane is growing his beard for a year to raise cash for the cancer charity that supported him during his daughter's illness.
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Martin, 49, of Laurel Avenue, Mansfield, sought permission from the courts and his bosses G4S to grow his beard which has already reached impressive proportions.

Lea attended Ellis Guilford School in Nottingham and was treated at the Queen’s Medical Centre.

He said: “She was a lovely girl. She opened a lot of peoples’ eyes.

“The doctor had to talk to her as an adult. She was very brave, right to the end.”

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You can donate to his campaign by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/Martin-McShane2

If any barber in Mansfield who specialises in wet towel shaves would like the challenge of removing Martin’s beard in October, they can get in touch with him on [email protected]

CLIC Sargent was founded in 2005 and specializes in supporting children and young people with cancer, and their families.

Related topics:Martin McShaneCLIC SargentMansfieldNottingham