Bus driver Harry gets close shave for charity

He's a '˜well kent' face on the daily commute for many students, workers and shoppers in St Andrews... but they just might have to do a double take before they recognise him from now on.

For popular local bus driver Harry Duncan has changed his appearance – and all in the name of charity.

The 53-year-old, who has been a regular feature on the bus routes around the town for the last 12 years, took the bold step on Friday to have his head shaved in an effort to raise money for MacMillan Cancer Charity.

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And he did it in the full glare of queuing commuters and fellow work mates in the middle of the town’s City Road bus station.

He was taking part in the charity’s ‘Brave The Shave’ challenge after reading about it on the internet.

“Most of us are probably guilty of wanting to do more for good causes but not actually going ahead and following it through,” Harry told the Citizen.

“But like many others, I’ve experienced the heartache of family and friends who have lost battles against cancer, and just though it was time do something positive.

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“I wanted to do something a little bit daft but also fun and once I’d told my work colleagues, they were urging me on.”

And he joked: “I think they were only egging me on because many of them already have less hair than me.

“It seemed a good idea at the time but I was a little nervous when it came to it.”

But do it he did and helped on by good friend Seref from Styling Studio barbers in Bell Street, who undertook the shaving duties, Harry was cheered on by work pals and commuters alike as he experienced his first authentic Turkish shave.

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Harry had only hoped to raise around £200 but with donations already topping more than £500, the St Andrews bus driver is hoping even more people will be digging deep as he picks up passengers on his regular routes in the coming week.

Asked what she thought of her husband’s ‘new look’, wife Jacqueline just laughed but added that she was very proud of her man for taking on the challenge.

“He said he’s do it but I wasn’t sure he’d follow it through, I’m very proud of him, just as long as he doesn’t want me now to go ahead and do the same.”

After a final round of applause, Harry admitted his felt a little ‘cold’ adding that he may now have to buy some sun cream, just in case summer suddenly decides to break out in north east Fife.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so by going to www.bravetheshave.org.uk and entering Harry’s name.

A video of Harry’s exploits can also be viewed on www.fifetoday.co.uk

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