Facial Hair for Funds: Duckett’s Beard

When History teacher, Richard Duckett, was challenged by his 2019-20 Year 7 class to not shave until they returned to the Park, following lockdown number one and guided distance learning in March 2020, he did not think he would be in this position almost a year later!

Now Duckett’s Beard is paving the way for a history of its own in the community. Having already played a starring role in the Christmas flash mob as Santa, he is now trying on a different hat and seeing how much money facial hair can raise for our close partner, Launchpad; Berkshire’s leading homelessness prevention charity.

Each week, Richard has pledged to bravely take on the community’s most popular stubble styling demands which are being submitted through GoFundMe. Once social distancing measures allow, one lucky (or unlucky depending on how you see it) donator will eventually be able to rid Richard of his facial hair and shave off the beard.

“I hope you enjoy being entertained at my expense over the coming weeks.” Joked Richard. “Keep your suggestions coming, the beard has already been dyed white, yellow (for #HelloYellow Mufti Day) and black, but I fear the worst is yet to come.”

Launchpad is a local charity that supports those who do not have a stable place to live or are at risk of losing their home. In October, many of our boarders from the three Senior Houses gave up their beds and shifted their sleeping quarters to 10-acre field where a row of tents provided them with shelter for the night. Committed to improving awareness of homelessness on the evening of the national ‘Big Sleep Out’, the group raised over £350 to support the organisation.

Assistant Head, Partnerships and Outreach, Natasha Coccia, commented, “Back in October, Richard did the Big Sleep Out with our boarders to raise money for Launchpad and in December he dyed his beard a snowy white only to arrive in Oakview as Santa to surprise our students who were having their Christmas Lunch, he went on to perform an amazing flash mob dance with four elves! When we went into lockdown, we knew our community partners would be hit badly again, so we asked Richard (and his beard) to help. Always willing to give up his time for the greater good, we couldn’t have asked for a more open, fun and committed fundraiser. Keen to get the students involved – he has even let them dictate what happens next to his facial hair, just to make a difference. What a legend!”