Peter Walker, 53, of The Old Moorings, is following in the footsteps of road racing legend and TV star Guy Martin and is letting his facial hair go wild to raise money for spinal injury research. The challenge is all part of Guy Martin’s Big Brew - a national event where people are asked to stick the kettle on for charity. As part of this there is also a contest to see who can grow the best ‘sidies’ just like Guy. After Guy fractured several bones in his back in an accident during the 2010 Isle of Man TT, he realised just how lucky he was to make a full recovery. Guy decided to unite the two great loves in his life, motorbikes and tea, and the Big Brew was born. Peter, a retired haulier, explained how he got involved: “I have been diagnosed with a spiral problem and we all love Guy Martin. He works in transport and I was involved in racing, although it was on four wheels rather than two. We seemed to have an awful lot in common, everything seemed to fit, so I thought I’d get involved. “Spinal injury could happen to anyone.” “I’ve already got sideburns so Rachel’s Room Barbers have agreed to do the big shave off so I haven’t got an unfair advantage. It all culminates on May 3.” The shave is due to take place at the High Street hairdressers today at 9.30am, and Peter hopes to raise £1,000 in total by people sponsoring him to regrow them. For the past three years, thousands of people have put the kettle on in support of Guy Martin’s Big Brew, raising over £20,000 for Ride Out for Spinal Research. This year promises to be bigger than ever, with motorcycle dealerships, cafes, clubs and individual riders all over the country coming together to ‘have a brew’ while doing their bit to raise money and give something back. The event involves bikers visiting their local motorcycle dealer, club or café and enjoying a cuppa while making a donation to Spinal Research. You can organise a ride out, poker run, bike night, quiz night, or simply sell tea and cakes. Spinal Research will provide you with a fundraising pack and support materials, plus your event will be listed on their map of events across the UK. More details about how to support Peter in his quest will be available in next week’s Epworth Bells. Anyone that would like to get involved by organising their own fundraiser should visit http://www.spinal-research.org/get-involved/fundraise/ for more details.