Walkern dad vows to shave chest in public for HIV charity

Richard Harwin, who lives with his family in Walkern, is taking part in the Big Shave Off in support of the Terrence Higgins Trust. 

He intends to have his chest shaved live on stage at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London on July 11.

Richard said: "I’m currently co-lead of the LGBTQIA+ Staff Network at the East London NHS Trust and I’ve always been an avid ally of the LGBT+ community.

"I wanted to move from being an 'armchair ally' to having a practical role and taking action, so that staff members who are part of this community do feel more comfortable with being at work.

"I’m looking forward to the Big Shave Off in July. I’ll be shaving my chest and, while I do give myself an occasional trim, a shave will be a whole new experience – especially being shaved on stage!

"I’ve set a goal of £500, but would love to raise so much more.

Richard wants to be more than just an 'armchair ally' to the LGBTQ+ community. (Image: Courtesy of Richard Harwin)

"At 54, this is just my second foray into fundraising – the first was producing a charity LGBTQIA+ calendar for our LGBT staff network to raise money for a local LGBT charity.

“I’m so looking forward to sporting my smooth 'older' chest!

“Supporting Terrence Higgins Trust is a great opportunity on a personal basis, and I’ve learned a lot more about HIV.

"I know people who have been affected directly by HIV, but haven’t truly understood what they could be going through.

"The very least I can do is to raise some money to help Terrence Higgins Trust continue their crucial work to end new cases of HIV by 2030.

"I don't suffer any discrimination for my characteristics and this is a way for me to reflect, learn and educate myself, and to make sure I’m conscious of my own privilege.

"Our LGBTQIA+ network offers the opportunity for our members to have their queer and allied identities protected and amplified at work. This is important because it demonstrates that we care about our LGBTQIA+ employees and service users.

"I believe queer joy is deeply important and the network is an amazing springboard for this.

"The network is a wonderfully diverse group of professionals who go from serious and pragmatic change-making to glittering up and strutting our stuff at Pride.

"I can’t wait for the shave and I’m planning to bring lots of our fabulous LGBTQIA+ staff network members to the event – they are the loveliest of people!"

A spokesperson for the Terrence Higgins Trust said: "We’re so grateful for fundraisers like Richard. We couldn’t do what we do without their invaluable support."

To sponsor Richard, visit justgiving.com/page/richard-harwin-1717422263218.