Rally driver Garry Jennings is cutting off 10 inches of his famous long locks in a bid to raise £10,000 for Down syndrome charities in Fermanagh and Donegal.

The big chop will take place on Saturday night (August 21) as part of Kesh Community Carnival, with Garry’s trusty hairdresser, Karen Monaghan, of Karen’s Kutz, in Kesh doing the deed.

Talking about what has inspired him to cut his hair, which has been long for 15 years, Garry told The Impartial Reporter: “Over these past couple of years it has been suggested to me on several occasions about getting my hair cut, so it’s just really people putting their money where their mouth is.”

He went on to explain how there is a lot of support from the rally scene for Rallying for Down syndrome.

“We thought for this occasion we would keep it close to home and spend [any fundraising monies raised] in Fermanagh and Donegal.

“It’s for Fermanagh and Donegal Down syndrome groups, so it’s going to a great cause.”

Garry’s haircut will take place in the Mayfly, Kesh on Saturday night around 10pm, after the festival’s sheep racing event.

“Karen’s a farmer herself, so I don’t know what way she’s going to cut it. I hope she’s not using sheep shears,” laughed Garry, who added: “It’ll be interesting to see what happens when it comes off, what colour it is underneath.”

So far, Garry has raised more than £7,000 for Down syndrome charities through his GoFundMe page – https://tinyurl.com/frm2xz4k.

He is also receiving donations through his businesses, Jennings Fuels and the Mayfly bar and restaurant.

He added: “Plus, all the [fundraising] proceedings from the six days of the festival is going to Down syndrome.

“It’s not about me getting my hair cut – it’s about putting smiles on some of these people’s faces, that’s what it’s really about,” Garry told this newspaper.