A NEWLYN man who has had long hair since the age of 15 is having it chopped off for charity this month - on the third anniversary of suffering a major stroke.
On Thursday December 17 David Flecknor, 45, will see his locks completely shaved at the port's Fishermans Arms pub, as he raises money for the Phoenix Stroke Appeal.
His fiance Lynda Coates, a practice nurse, said he was "knocked for six" just before Christmas in 2010 but has "fought really hard" to get himself together. She said he has done every treatment going, while continuing to do what he can for others - from volunteering for Cornwall's Air Ambulance organisation to doing a sponsored walk a year after it happened.
"It's been horrendous - you just don't expect it, it's always out the blue," she said.
"But he's been really strong and brave all the way. He's been brilliant."
Mr Flecknor, who before the stroke managed two nursing homes for people with disabilities, will see his hair gone at around 8pm next week. His partner said nobody has seen him without and does not know what to expect.
"It's been a long time," she said. "He's 45 now and he's worn it long since 15 - his parents said he was born with hair so they've never seen him look any different grown up."
She added she hopes his hair grows back in time for their Dr Who-themed wedding in April next year - and suggested if not he could always wear a 'cyber helmet' as part of a costume.
However, Miss Coates said above all her partner's charity work has been "amazing" and hopes to see a good amount of money collected.
On the night there will be a raffle and lots of prizes donated by local businesses, which might make nice Christmas presents, she noted.
Although still finding things difficult - he is still without the use of his right hand - Miss Coates said her other half is "on the mend" now and has just started training for a new role as a support worker at a nursing home. This week he was away undertaking training.
