A HEALTHCARE assistant has been raising funds and spirits with his beard decorating antics.

Paul Skott, better known as Greybeard by patients and colleagues, works at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Cotswold House.

Being based at the Oxford unit of the eating disorder clinic, the 63-year-old was brave enough to offer up his facial hair for decoration and a final ‘big shave', when his multi-coloured whiskers came off for good last month, to support the centre.

The charity effort got underway in November when the Chipping Norton man began growing his big festive beard.

Having worn his beard of many colours for almost two months, he had his fair share of funny looks, but was delighted by the results of the stunt.

He said: “The response has been fantastic and we have raised over £700 so far which will go towards activities that are vital here. As well as paying for entertainment for our patients on the inpatient unit, the money will also be put towards art working materials and other creative outlets which are both enjoyable and therapeutic.

“Every part of what we do here at Cotswold House plays a part in saving lives. Promoting self-care and building confidence and resilience are vital to ensure long-term recovery - but this is by no means easy, and the treatment is hard work. Taking part in this fundraising has itself been part of our patients’ therapy, allowing them to take back some of the hope and purpose that the illness undermines.

“For moments like that half an hour or so when my beard was getting its glittery multi-coloured makeover there was nothing but fun, laughter and escape from the eating disorder bully.”

According to Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, anorexia alone has the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric disorder, with research suggesting that 20 per cent of sufferers will die prematurely from their illness.

Mr Skott's JustGiving page remains live for donations at.justgiving.com/fundraising/greybeardforcotswoldhouse