A tattoo artist from Lancaster had his beard of 13 years shaved off as a festival to help raise funds for suicide prevention raised £6300.
Shane Gleave braved the shave at the Lifefest festival held at the George and Dragon pub in Lancaster last week.
The event, which included live music, a quiz and family fun day, smashed last year's debut event total of £2330, raising funds on behalf of The District Mental Health Forum.
Lifefest was created in 2025 with the mission to bring people together and to raise money to provide 'Hope Benches' round the district.
The idea was that each of these benches would have resource information on them providing advice and providing phone numbers of organisations that could help people who are feeling suicidal.
Shane, from the Shipwrecked Tattoo Company on New Street in Lancaster, spoke to Beyond Radio earlier this year about his plans to shave his beard.
LISTEN to Shane Gleave
Shane Gleave following the shave. Photo: George and Dragon
"I have not seen my own face in about 12 years so it should be interesting," said Shane, at the time.
"I'm known for having a big ginger beard so if I can make money by shaving it off, to support other people, then let's do it."
Last year's Lifefest raised enough money to provide five Hope Benches around the Lancaster and Morecambe District, near Carlisle Bridge on St George's Quay and at Half Moon Bay in Heysham, with others going in Middleton Nature Reserve, Warton Crag and Lancaster University.
This year's event began on Wednesday August 26 with a charity quiz at the George and Dragon on St George's Quay.
It continued on the Thursday with a live lounge with Amy Rae and Sooz Blooz, and a charity raffle.
Amy Rae performing at Lifefest 2026. Photo: George and Dragon.
Day 3 saw music from Jamie Walker and The Deal.
The Deal performing at Lifefest. Photo: George and Dragon
Day 4 included music from Molly Warburton, Jonny Sykes and Cuthberts Clan, and Stonecutter.
Day 5 featured DJ Scott Lamont and Matt Jones.
Then the festival rounded off on Bank Holiday Monday with a family fun day, music from The Beets, and karaoke.
Head chef Andrew Reilly kept everybody fed during the festival with a barbecue.
And the festival was well supported despite torrential rain at times during the event!
Embed not found
The packed beer garden at the pub on Day 5 of Lifefest. Photo: George and Dragon
"Lifefest 2026 is done and has smashed last year's target!" said a post on the George and Dragon Facebook page after the festival.
"Last year raised an impressive £2330.
"But this year it has been blown out the water with a fantastic £6300!
"Well done! Thanks for supporting.
"We have something even bigger and better planned for next year so stay tuned."
You can donate HERE.
Read more: Lancaster festival returns to raise funds for mental health awareness - Beyond Radio
Lancaster whisky distillery to open new £150k warehouse and bottling hall at former antiques centre
Lancaster man makes final of UK's biggest classic car show
Man arrested for possessing alcohol in breach of police order in Morecambe
Pensioner in her 80s seriously injured following collision near Lancaster
PHOTOS: Symphony orchestra in a pub launches Lancaster Music Festival 2026
"It's beyond a joke" Businesses speak out after youths run amok in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe police officers receive awards for hard work and dedication
LISTEN: Lancaster Music Festival 2026 set to begin
Hospital chaplain set to host remembrance service in Lancaster
Man arrested in Bolton-le-Sands on suspicion of indecent exposure and public order offences
Dates announced for Morecambe Promenade and Heysham Village fireworks displays
Plaque unveiled to honour groundbreaking sculptor of war memorial in Lancaster
Taxi driver suspended as part of licencing crackdown in Lancaster district
Closure announced of Lancaster city centre record store
KFC staff and Wombles join forces to clean up Morecambe Prom
Paramedic degree apprentices to be trained in Lancaster
Car flips onto roof following collision near Hornby
LISTEN: Jail and Bail returns to Lancaster as bosses to be locked up for hospice
Pioneering Morecambe school eco-garden bears fruit ahead of Apple Day
£800K appeal launched to save Lancaster Cathedral spire from collapse
