As part of Keynsham and District Mencap Society’s 40th celebrations, parent, Jason Preston, has pledged to go an entire year without shaving his beard. Jason is asking for £1 sponsorship from everyone he knows and meets throughout the year.

Jason started his mammoth beard-growing activity in February and will keep going for twelve months. Jason’s stepson, Matthew, is a member of Mencap’s Go Explore Club and Radstock Juniors Club.

A spokesperson from Keynsham and District Mencap said: “Jason is an avid supporter of our society and a fierce fundrasier. So far he has taken part in sponsored bike rides from Midsomer Norton to Weston, from Midsomer Norton to Brean, and the Prudential 100-mile bike ride in London. Most recently he held a fundrasing disco party in February.

“Look out for Jason, as he plans to decorate and embelish his beard throughout the year, marking annual celebrations such as Christmas and other themed events.

“Keynsham and District Mencap work to improve the lives and opportunities of children and adults with a wide range of learning disabilities. Members’ ages range from five-to-eighteen-years for junior clubs, and we run adult clubs for eighteen-years-and-over. The members have a broad range of needs and disabilities, including learning and physical disabilities, Autism, Down’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Attention Deficit Disorder.

“Keynsham and District Mencap Society is a registered charity; we rely entirely on grants, donations and fundraising, as we receive no statutory funding. Keynsham and District Mencap Society is affiliated to, but not funded by National Mencap.”

If you would like to donate to Jason’s fundraising efforts, please visit: localgiving.org/charity/keynshammencap/project/beard/