AN ex-firefighter who shaved off half his hair and half his beard has now raised more than £1,700 for charity, smashing his £500 target.

Former Worcester firefighter Dave Hunt, of Whites Road, St John’s, Worcester, shaved off half his beard as a joke last Monday.

However, friends said they would sponsor him if he shaved off half his hair as well - which he duly did the following day.

So far the 51-year-old has raised £1,725 for The Fire Fighters Charity which helped him and his wife with physiotherapy. He wanted to return the favour and give something back after the charity’s funds dropped due to coronavirus.

Two particularly generous donations came courtesy of P&A Block Paving and DH Phillips Sand and Gravel Merchants.

He said: “What can I say apart from I am so humbled that so many of my friends have donated so generously. Thank you to each and every one of you. I am getting used to the look so hopefully if I see you in the near future I will still look this silly.”

The charity is entirely funded through donations from the fire community and the public. The charity may only raise around half of the usual income due to the limitations in place as a result of coronavirus and this is one of the reasons Mr Hunt was so determined to offer his support during the crisis.

Mr Hunt said: “The fire service is a family and this is my time to give something back.”

The charity helps firefighters with their mental health, such as with stress, anxiety and insomnia, as well as physical health due to unexpected injuries, illnesses and long term conditions.

It helped Mr Hunt with physiotherapy when he tore a knee ligament last year and had also provided physio for his wife.

For most of his career as a firefighter Mr Hunt was based in Worcester on blue watch. He now runs his own business - Worcester Artificial Turf.

To donate visit facebook.com/dave.hunt.58173000