Mark gets ready to lose trademark beard in aid of specialist school Big Build project

It is time for Mark's beard to go - in aid of charity

Popular Minster resident and IT manager Mark Cornwell is calling time on his beard of three years. Mark, who is well-known for his trademark whiskers, will brave the shave and raise cash for charity. He has opted for a sponsored shave to raise funds for Louie’s Helping Hands big build.

The build is creating a specialist school for youngsters with a range of disabilities on land at Quex estate in Birchington.

It will mean a move for The Llewellyn School and Nursery, run by Sara and Philip Llewellyn at their home in Westbook, in a bid to provide more space.

Sara set up the school to provide education for her son Louie and other children in a similar situation after the closure of the Royal School for the Deaf in December 2015. The John Townsend Trust, which ran it, went into administration.

Huge progress on the Llewellyn School build

The couple gained permission for the Quex build last year and the main is now completed, with the roof in the process of going on

Mark will go under the shaver this Sunday (March 10) from 6pm at The Saddler pub in Minster. The cause is one supported by landlady Dee Horton, who said: “I am a mum so I know what a struggle it can be ensuring your child’s educational needs are met. There is also a history of deafness and cerebral palsy in our family so I empathise with the children and their parents. I also believe all English schools should be able to gain funding from the government.”

Donations are welcome whether they are big or small. Every bit of money will make a big difference. You can donate online through via the event page or you can pop into The Saddler and fill in the form.

Mark has had quite a few sponsors so far and says he, The Saddler’s and Louie’s Helping Hands are all grateful for the support.