A KIDDERMINSTER College learner had his head and beard shaved off to raise awareness and money for people who need organ transplants.

Jordan Baker, 19, of Stourport, wanted to mark National Transplant Week, which runs until next Monday, as it coincided with the anniversary of when his father died nine years ago.

His father, David, was just 38 when he died but the bi-lateral lung transplant he received at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham had prolonged his life for a further two years.

Jordan, who has completed an outdoor sports course at the college, said: “It was a small miracle that my dad got a new heart within just seven days of going on the transplant register but there are more than 10,000 people who need a transplant so I want to encourage more people to join the register."

He had not had his hair cut for nine years but it was shaved off, together with his beard. He said: “I am also donating my hair to the Little Princess Trust so they can use it to make wigs for children who are undergoing treatment for cancer.”

Jordan’s mother, Victoria, cut his hair and beard off on Monday at Kidderminster College and she will also be remembering her husband as she wed David in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit the day before he died.

Jordan said: "I can't believe how strange it feels to have no hair or beard and I didn't recognise myself when I looked in the mirror afterwards. My friends won't recognise me at all."

He added: “My dad had a huge personality and we all still miss him and I thought I may help other people in similar situations by raising this money.

"I have been supported greatly at the college through my studies, which have led to me getting a job as an outdoor adventure instructor and I would like to give something back to society.

“I would also encourage all people to join the organ donor register as it can make a huge difference to someone’s life and can enable them to spend more quality time with their families.”

Jordan’s JustGiving page can be found at justgiving.com/shaveingitalloff. To join the NHS Organ Donor Register log on to organdonation.nhs.uk