By Rachael Grealish

Hair can be a big part of a person’s identity, so to brave the chop can be a big deal for anyone – but Joel is willing to shave off his famous curls to raise money for the North Lakes Foodbank.

21-year-old Joel Penninton – fondly known as ‘Sheephead’ in his youth – is raising money to cut off his sheep’s wool-like mop and hopes to raise over £200 to help the vulnerable during the COVID-19 crisis.

He said: “This amazing charity is so essential to our community during these challenging times and raising money for the foodbank facilitates the positive impact we can have on our community. 

“By donating this money we will be able to reach a wider range of vulnerable people and be able to deliver food at a greater volume.”

The Cleator-based volunteer has always been a keen supporter of the North Lakes Foodbank – now in its 10th year – due to the influence of his vicar mum and says cutting off his hair is going to be a big deal, but worth it.

“My hair is an essential part of my character,” he explained, “throughout my school years I was known as ‘sheephead’ and typically I would be called this when playing football for Cockermouth Fc. However, since my local barber is out of action, I’m struggling to contain the mop.”

Joel is not only passionate about the Foodbank but is also working on the front line during the pandemic, working for the supermarket Morrison’s within the price integrity department.

North Lakes Foodbank provides three days worth of emergency food supplies to people, in need, in the Allerdale and Copeland areas of Cumbria.

The ‘big shear’ will be going ahead on Saturday May 9, Joel added: “If over £500 is raised I’ll even use the garden shears.”

Donations can be made by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/joel-pennington-sheepshear.