Castleton local faces the chop for charity after 32 years

Castleton man, Geoff Street, braved the shave when he agreed to chop off his much-loved ponytail after 32 years of growth in support of Springhill Hospice.

In support of the local cause, Geoff raised a total of £2,850 from the chop, which he presented to the hospice on Wednesday 7 August.

Geoff last had his haircut in 1987, and that was under pressure from his future mother-in-law for his wedding day. On that day, his hair just went to shoulder length, but that was the last time he had sat in a barber’s chair - 32 years ago.

Geoff laughed: “I was very attached to that ponytail, but when my wife Tracey suggested it went for the chop, I was happy to go for it for the hospice which does such a brilliant job.

“The beard and hair are back now, but I don’t think I’ll live long enough to grow it that long again!”

 

 

The event took place at The Commercial Inn, Castleton, Geoff’s local and the place where he and his wife, Tracey, first met.

Making a day of it with a family barbecue, landlord Peter Kelly said: “When I heard of Geoff’s plan, I was very happy to host it. Springhill Hospice is a local cause that is close to our hearts here at The Commercial.”

Tracey, Geoff’s wife whose idea it was for the charity chop, commented: “Originally Geoff was hoping he would raise £1,000 for Springhill. The response has been overwhelming.

“We are thrilled that our final fundraising total is an unbelievable £2,850.

“That’s over £200 an inch – I had no idea that Geoff’s ponytail was so valuable.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for getting behind what seemed at first just a fun way to raise money. We are so happy to be able to make this donation to the hospice.”

Geoff may not be growing the ponytail back but when asked what happened to it, he was keen to say that it’s not gone forever.

He added: “Pete, the landlord at The Commercial, is having it framed. It’ll be around for a bit longer yet – but on display at the pub.”