A HAMPSHIRE hospice head shave by an armed forces veteran has raised more than £1,000 in a sponsored event.

Stuart Rankin braved the shave to raise money for Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity.

The Winchester man, who is now a full-time carer, had both his head and beard shaved off to raise the cash in the charity fundraiser.

The 43-year-old has so far raised £1,700 for the charity including Gift Aid through his online JustGiving donations page, and sponsorship forms.

Stuart wanted to thank the charity for looking after his wife, Lillian, and his family.

The shave raised money to help the hospice on Botley Road, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

The funds enable the hospice to continue to offer nursing and medical care, emotional and practical support, welfare advice, occupational and physiotherapy, complementary therapies, spiritual care and creative activities.

The event took place in the inpatient unit day room with the support of Stuart’s family, staff from the hospice and other patients family members.

Simon Digweed, from Fuel Hair Mechanics, is a family friend of Stuart who carried out the head and face shave.

Mr Rankin said: “I decided to shave my hair and beard to thank Countess Mountbatten Hospice for looking after my wife and our family so well.

“It is a fantastic unit and the care they give is incredible.

“The more money I can raise, the better for this cause.

“I can’t thank them enough.”

To help support Stuart and raise money for the charity, you can donate at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stuart-rankin4.