YOU may have heard of Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off – but are you familiar with the Great British Beard Off?
Artist and designer Asad Khan, who currently works at the city’s NHS Test and Trace site in Broad Street, Coventry, has been inspired to shave off all his facial hair to raise £500 for the charity Action for Children.
The 28-year-old from Longford has witnessed first-hand through his job how difficult the pandemic has been for many local residents, particularly children, and wanted to help with ‘a simple act of kindness’.
He said: “I’ve had a beard for five years and some iteration of facial hair for the last decade.
“Working for Test & Trace has provided me the unique opportunity to speak directly to people all who are going through difficult times, especially children whose worlds have been turned upside down, and I just wanted to do something to help, a simple act of kindness.
“If I’m being honest, I don’t know how I’ll cope without it, I don’t actually remember what my face looked like before I grew out my beard.
“I’ve always had a baby face. I guess I’ll just have to get used to being ID’d everywhere I go again.
“My nieces and nephews will find it the biggest shock as I’ve had facial hair longer some of them have existed.
“Friends won’t recognise me – they’re all eagerly waiting to see what I’ll look like clean shaven.”
Asad has launched a Great British Beard Off Just Giving page here, if anyone would like to donate to the fundraiser.
