John does his bit for the Air Ambulance amid ‘lockdown’

A Sutton on Sea man has faced the clippers and has shaved his beard to raise money for the Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
John Buck pictured after the beard shave.John Buck pictured after the beard shave.
John Buck pictured after the beard shave.

John Buck, who has so far raised £512 for the charity, took the decision to shave his beard before the coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown was announced in late March.

The brave local had originally planned to take on the beard shave outside the Bacchus Hotel in Sutton on Sea, and it was due to take place on Saturday, April 4.

John was to be joined by the mayor, Carl Tebbutt, and town crier, Dave Summers, for the first official snip.

John Buck pictured before.John Buck pictured before.
John Buck pictured before.

However, with concern over the current pandemic, John made the decision to face the clippers earlier this 
month (April 2) at home with the help of his wife, Julie.

John said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me for the event.

“The affection and admiration that has been shown towards the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance has 
been overwhelming.

“Although the ‘de-fuzz’ didn’t take place the way we’d planned, I am so pleased that we’ve been able to raise such a huge amount.

“I will be growing my beard again so that we can re-host the official ‘snip’ at the Bacchus Hotel next year, and, of course, raise even more funds for this marvellous charity.”

Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance remains committed to providing a critical care response.

A spokesman said: “The crew continues to be well placed to respond in the ever-changing picture we are all experiencing and are committed to supporting our communities at this uncertain time.

“They have taken delivery of full personal protective equipment to ensure patient safety and, of course, to protect themselves.

“They continue to work alongside ambulance service colleagues and NHS hospitals to monitor developments and ensure that patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire continue to receive the best possible care.”

Steve Tandy, a local volunteer at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, said: “On behalf of all at Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance, I would like to express the grateful thanks to John and his wife Julie for raising this incredible amount of money. A special thanks also goes to everyone who supported John and sponsored him for the event.

“Like many other businesses, our charity is facing an extremely difficult time. Patients’ lives still depend on our crew being there, so we need the help and support of people like John more than ever before.”

The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance receives no direct Government funding and is not part of the NHS. The charity can only continue to operate with thanks to kind donations from generous members of the public.

If you are able to make a one-off or monthly donation, visit www.ambucopter.org.uk/donate