Bearded team host fun day for charity

Mick, of Ripley, The Central Beardsmen and the Thorn Tree team all joined forces to host the event BEARDONLite, which took place on May 6.

More than £600 was raised for the charity, which Mick and the teams have become advocates for – especially after the death of friend and BBC Radio Derby presenter Andy Potter.

The fun day included a moustache competition, live music from The Brandy Thieves, CJ Hatt, Allan Robinson, Sticky and Sam Jones.

There was also several beard-themed contests including cream cake challenges and most creative beard.

Mick said the event was a great success.

“Following on from the Decembeard shenanigans, we were inspired to start of 2017 campaign a little early, in an attempt to take the number one fundraising spot this year – something which we achieved last year.

“As most of you will know Andy sadly lost his cancer battle a few weeks after last year’s Decembeard campaign ended. But that doesn’t mean our fundraising ends – if anything it is more important and can be done in Andy’s memory.

“And it was overwhelming to see so many people, from all over the country, turn out to help make the day such a success.

“There was something for everyone – instead of the usual strictly regulated categories we wanted to include as many people as possible in the contests. We came up with three categories in which to compete – most coveted beard, most creative beard and best dressed beard. The categories being open to heavily styled beards, ladies and children in false beards.

“Ripley mayor Alwyn Bridge even popped by and ended up pulling some pints behind the bar!”

The winners of the bearded man versus cake challenge was Ian Taylor. Winner of best dressed beard went to Lewis Aylmer, most coveted beard to Mark Hotson, and finally most creative beard to Lee Andrews.

But the overall winner was the charity said Mick.

“Beating Bowel Cancer was the overall winner with the amount we managed to taise.

“It was an excellent day and I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, who was involved in organising the fundraiser, to those who donated their time, money and to everyone who came down on the day.”