Preston grandad dyes his beard for World Cup in aid of St Catherine's Hospice

The new look is just one of many to raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The 54-year-old from Preston came up with the creative way to collect sponsorship money for his local charity after seeing someone else sporting a brightly coloured beard.

He asked his hairdresser daughter, Hailey Marsden, to dye his beard in an effort to collect donations for the Lostock Hall hospice, and changed his look every couple of weeks until he reached his £1,000 target.

He said: “It was just a random idea really, but I thought it would be a good way to raise money for the hospice.

“I know the money is coming directly to St Catherine’s, and it’s such a good cause. I think it’s important to support your local charity.”

Les, a supermarket worker from New Hall Lane, has opted for pink, blue, red, and multi-coloured looks over the past three months, and is currently displaying a St George’s cross on a white beard to celebrate the World Cup.

Emma Jacovelli, head of community engagement at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “What a fantastic idea – Les looks brilliant with his wacky beard and it’s such an inventive and fun way to support St Catherine’s! He’s raised an incredible £1,020, which will really help us in our efforts to care for local people with life-shortening illnesses here at the hospice, out in the community, and in people’s own homes.”