A MUSSELBURGH businessman and author is urging supporters to ‘shave their heads’ in a show of support for NHS workers during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Alex Brown, 56, who owns Ideal Flooring Solutions, has already taken the plunge and lost his locks, setting up a JustGiving page to raise £2,000 for healthcare workers.

He has also created a public Facebook page – ‘Shave Your Head For The NHS’ – where photos of newly shaven noggins are being posted.

Alex and his wife Monica were due to go on a week-long Mediterranean cruise at the end of March to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary, but the trip was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He explained: “I was going to get a hair cut the day before we left, so had not had it cut for around four weeks.

“As the lockdown continued, my hair was getting longer. I enjoy challenges so thought it may be a bit fun, plus help highlight the bravery of the NHS and care workers, to create the Facebook page.”

He said: “I have friends who are care workers, with some having contracted the coronavirus. I also have friends and people I know who have succumbed to this deadly virus.”

He added: “I feel the [Facebook] group has more than one function.

“It can show the NHS and care workers that we care and appreciate them, and raise funds for the NHS.

“It can also cheer people up in these tough times and they can either participate or just follow the group.”

Around 600 supporters have joined already.

Alex is also making good use of his time after closing his High Street shop for the lockdown by continuing to write, after the success of his first book ‘Hit Me,’ a crime thriller about former boxer Barnabas Wild.

He said: “My next book ‘Niddrie Boys’ was due to be released this autumn; however, I decided to do some rewrites. I have noticed that I’m being much more creative with my writing.

“I am also writing a follow up to ‘Hit Me’ called ‘Hit me Harder’ which could be out at the end of next year.

“I feel with the self distancing and the shop being closed, I am being given an insight into what life will be like in retirement.”

He added: “I walk very early in the morning to be sure of social distancing. I feel health is much more important than business or work and, while we are all struggling with boredom, it’s nothing compared to what others are going through.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear about all the loss of life throughout the world.

“My wife and I are out on the doorstep each Thursday at 8pm to clap for the NHS, care and key workers.”

He added: “I have five young grandchildren and am really missing them. It’s my grandson Jude’s birthday on May 15 and not being able to give him a hug will be tough. We are planning to FaceTime and will all sing Happy Birthday to him.”

Alex also called on NHS and care workers to be recognised with an OBE, MBE or a special medal, similar to bravery medals from the two world wars.

To donate to the hair shave fund, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/alexander-brown-927? or the Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/235800194460459.

 

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