A man who is raising money for Manx Blind Welfare Society by having his hair and beard shaved off has smashed his fundraising target with 11 days still to go.

Ian Macaulay started raising money in memory of his late father Donald, who was supported by the Society after losing his eyesight, with the hope of reaching ?200.

However, public support has seen that goal passed by a huge amount – almost ?600 been donated online and in person, plus there are collection buckets yet to be counted.

The 62-year-old grandfather said: ‘It’s amazing just how much support there has been. I thought I might struggle to reach ?200, so to know that more than ?500 has been donated, with more to come, is overwhelming. I’m really grateful to everyone.

‘All the money will help the Society provide its support and services to visually impaired people across the Isle of Man, so while I’m delighted to have beaten my target, I’d encourage people to keep donating to support this worthwhile cause.’

Ian, the Accounts Administrator at Target Tools, has been growing his hair and beard since October last year, and will go under the razor on 26th March at The Executive Barber Shop in Douglas.

You can support Ian’s fundraising by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/f3675euk and making a donation. There are also collection buckets at Corrin Court in Onchan and The VIP Store in Strand Street, Douglas.

Manx Blind Welfare Society Volunteers Coordinator & Events Organiser Debbie Thomson said: ‘Donations are vital to helping the Society to continue its work with blind and visually impaired people in the Island, so we were really pleased when Ian told us he hoped to raise ?200 for us.

‘It is brilliant so many people have shown their support. The amount donated so far will make a real difference – and with some days to go there’s time for the total to go even higher!’

To find out more about the work of MBWS, visit www.facebook.com/manxblindwelfaresociety.