Long hair of the law to be cut down to size as TV cop ditches man bun
RICH READY FOR THE CHOP TO RAISE CASH FOR CANCER
A POLICEMAN known for his signature man bun after appearing in top TV show Copsuk Bodycam Squad is to chop it all off to help colleagues battling cancer.
PC Rich Lymer has been on the beat in Uttoxeter for 17 years, and was in Burton for four years before that, and is well known for wearing his long hair in a bun.
His bun gained even more fame when he appeared on the TV series Copsuk Bodycam Squad – and even divided opinions among viewers of the show.
But now, after seven years of growing his long locks, which are an impressive 23 inches, he has decided it is time for them to go– but all for a good cause.
Three of his work friends were diagnosed with breast cancer and it gave him the push to take the plunge - or the chop in his case – and raise vital funds at the same time, he said.
He asked each one of them to choose a charity and all of the money raised from his stunt when he will be sponsored to lose his locks will be split between Katharine House, in Stafford; Strongmen and Mummy’s Star.
So far, the amount raised has far exceeded his original target of £600 and is now well standing at well over £3,000 – and rising.
The 39-year-old officer said: “I’m blown away with the amount raised in just a couple of days. I’m not sure whether the motivation is me cutting my hair off or the charities.
“This is something I’ve been thinking about for a little bit, not so much getting rid of my hair but doing something for charity. With lockdown restrictions around personal care, I couldn’t do it before.
“With three people close to me at different stages of treatment for breast cancer and also family members and other people affected, I wanted to do something.
“I’m chuffed with the three charities that have been chosen.
“I will still be the same person but I’m hoping it doesn’t have a Samson and Delilah effect where he loses all his strength when she chops off his hair! I’m hoping it doesn’t go down that road
“I will be devastated as it’s something identifiable about me but on the reverse of that, hopefully we’ll get a substantial amount of money to help other people and that overrides everything.”
He will not only be helping by raising money as all of his hair that is chopped off will be donated as well to be turned into wigs for people with cancer.
And there will be no half measures, as he will be having his head completely shaved, although the father-ofone will still be keeping his distinctive beard.
PC Lymer said: “I’ve never had no hair apart from when I first came into the world.
“It’s a massive step for me and my partner is devastated as she’s never seen me with no hair as I’ve always had a full head.
“When it grows back I will restyle it but I’m keeping it short now. “I think the biggest thing is we’re going through a challenging time with Covid and it’s affected us all but also the ability of charities to support individuals who are not only struggling because of Covid but also have breast cancer or any cancer.
“I would just say to people to please donate as much or as little as you can to help continue the amazing work for amazing people.
“The amount raised already; I just have no words to explain how grateful I am. I’m humbled and blown away by it.
“It’s just fantastic how kind people have been and how generous. It’s just amazing.”
PC Lymer will be having the chop on Saturday, May 22, and anyone who wants to donate to the cause can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/lopping-lymerslocks
I’m blown away with the amount raised in just a few of days.
PC Rich Lymer