A MAUCHLINE man has braved the shave to raise money for NHS as they battle coronavirus.

Steven Shankland took on the Lockdown Skinhead Challenge to raise money for NHS Charities Together and has already raised a phenomenal £2,500.

Steven, 32, former Mauchline Amateurs player, wanted to support NHS staff and volunteers caring for Covid-19 patients and has been totally bowled over by the response.

Steven said: “I’m isolating in my girlfriend’s house and I saw people doing it on Facebook so me and my brother-in-law thought maybe we could do it too to raise money for the NHS. Now it’s sitting at over £2,500 and it’s growing.

“It just shows what people think of the NHS.”

The Lockdown Skinhead Challenge went viral on Facebook after strict social distancing measures came into effect across the UK last week.

The idea is to show appreciation for the NHS by nominating people on social media to shave their head for charity.

Steven was inspired to take on the challenge after his brother Mark, an Auchinleck Talbot player, did so.

The endeavour is definitely a family affair as Steven’s auntie and mother-in-law are both NHS workers.

Steven said: “Even at a time when people are uncertain about their jobs, they’ve dug deep and donated to a good cause.”

Ewan Shankland, Steven’s uncle, said: “I’m very proud of him. It’s a great cause and we’re all proud of what the NHS is doing for us.”

Steven added: “I don’t mind the new do but my girlfriend isn’t keen on it. I didn’t realise how much my hairline was receding!”

You can donate to Steven’s JustGiving page via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Steven-Shankland?utm_source=whatsapp

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