A 72-year-old rotary club member had his long locks shaved off and raised more than £2,000 to help cure polio.


Richard Ward, 72, raised £2,100 through donations and sponsorship at the Kew Horticultural Society show at Kew Green on Saturday


Hairdresser Mark Westbrook used his electric clippers to remove Mr Ward’s hair.


Mr Ward hoped the shave would raise the profile of Kew Rotary Club and raise money, but said he would grow his hair back.


He said: “When you get to 72 there is a limit to what you can do to raise money – you can’t run a marathon. I thought this was quite an unusual way to help the rotary raise money and I think I have proved a point.”


Kew Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at the Coach and Horses pub in Kew Green and raises money for community projects and local charities.


Mr Ward said: “We meet for a meal, build up a lot of friendships and build up expertise of raising funds for charity.”


Members organise community events, run projects to promote the achievements of young people and support local businesses.


President of the club Brigitte Faubert said: “We are looking to the many people in Kew and Richmond who want to get involved in the community, make new friends, build business contacts and try things they would never have thought of doing. This year we are emphasising our work on peace, while continuing our work to eradicate polio.”


To find out more about the Kew rotary club visit kewrotary.org.uk.