Hibs star Liam Fontaine shaves off beard for Sick Kids

Liam Fontaine mid-shave. Picture: Greg Macvean

The big-hearted vice-captain smashed his £1000 target as donations flooded in from all over the world.

He raised a total of £2120 for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation despite starting the appeal two days ago.

The Hibs squad spent time at the Sick Kids hospital just before Christmas which inspired the defender to shave off his trademark beard for the first time in five months to support the charity.

After getting his razor out at the club’s pre-match press conference on Friday, Fontaine said: “The response from supporters, Hibernian fans and others, has been overwhelming.

“We aimed for £1000 which we thought would be great to hit, but we’ve doubled it and donations are still coming in.

“It has snowballed beyond expectations and I am grateful for everyone’s generosity.

“Supporters can still donate and we’d love to raise as much as possible, so if you are able to please visit the JustGiving page and donate what you can. The effort is much appreciated by everyone.”

Three lucky supporters who donated to the cause will also be in with the chance of winning a special prize.

Fontaine will be giving away a pair of signed football boots, a signed training top and a personalised signed photograph – and the winners will be announced on Monday.

Roslyn Neely, chief executive of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “We are so thankful to Liam for deciding to raise money for us. It’s such a great – and fun – gesture and we really can’t thank him enough.

“As a result of what we do children’s lives are less interrupted by illness. They are less scared of hospital and children and young people’s families are better supported, too.

“We do this by providing enhanced facilities, equipment and distractions and it is the generosity of Liam, and others who raise money , which allows us to continue doing this.”