A bookseller is to shave off his distinctive beard to raise money for a charity supporting young refugees in Kent.

Patrick Marrin, who owns a bookshop in Sandgate Road, Folkestone, decided to give the impressive facial fuzz the chop after a jokey text message exchange with Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) project coordinator Bridget Chapman.

The antique book dealer had quipped about raising cash for a similarly bearded airline boss, but when Ms Chapman suggested the shave could be an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for the charity he agreed to start the fundraising effort.

Mr Marrin has worn a beard for most of the past 50 years, with the occasional trim, but he is happy to lose it next week to support a cause he believes in, partly due to his family heritage.

The 66-year-old said: "My ancestors were Huguenot refugees who came to the UK around 300 years ago. I believe they also brought magnificent beards with them.

"And so, at this time of global change, I am undertaking the challenge of an unimaginable transformation in order to raise funds for the exceptionally vital work of Kent Refugee Action Network.

"I have my own refugee heritage, it may be a long time ago, but I have always felt strongly for outsiders and the excluded. These young people are taking their lives in their hands to get to this country and they should be welcomed."

Mr Marrin has set a fundraising target of £1,000 - and already he has managed to attract donations totalling more than £300.

The cash will be used by KRAN to support young unaccompanied asylum seekers who have recently arrived in the county and need extra help during the lockdown.

Many of the young people who work with the charity are accommodated three or four to a small flat, often without outside space or WiFi, making their experience of social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic all the more difficult.

Food has been donated by individuals and businesses in Folkestone to help keep the young people fed, and extra money raised will help pay for mobile phone top-ups to keep them connected with their support networks. KRAN is also hoping to invest in more resources for English language lessons during the lockdown.

Welcoming Mr Marrin's gesture to support the charity's work, Ms Chapman said: "It's really important that we have got some positive news at the moment. Every cloud has it's silver lining, and this situation is bringing out the best in people and our community has rallied round to help everyone."

Donate to the fundraising appeal for KRAN here

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