Geelong footballer Jimmy Bartel‘s campaign to raise awareness and money for domestic violence has culminated in the shaving of his mammoth beard on Tuesday.
The beard was the result of Bartel not shaving for 200 days and the centrepiece of the footballer’s campaign to create an eye-catching conversation starter about family violence.
Through his Face Up to DV campaign, 32-year-old raised thousands of dollars for The Luke Batty Foundation and Bethany, a family services organisation based in Geelong.
Bartel, who is married to lifestyle blogger Nadia Bartel, had not shaved since before the beginning of the AFL home and away season in March, when he announced his intentions.
He revealed his mother was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of his father in an interview with the Herald Sun.
Nadia posted a photo and a video of her husband’s shave on Instagram, which received many positive comments of support.
He elected to leave a cheeky mustache behind before undergoing a clean-shave.
On Monday the footballer joked about hoping his son Aston recognised him post-shave and thanked all his supporters in an online post.
“Huge thanks to all my family for the amazing support and just being the stars that they are,” Bartel wrote. “To every person who has donated, it is going to go a long way to help many families.”
“Everyone who sent me messages, emails, letters or stopped to chat your support and encouragement has been inspiring.”
Bartel was formally recognised by the AFL for his efforts at The Brownlow Medal and named the recipient of the 2016 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award and received a $40,000 donation to his causes.
You can donate to Jimmy Bartel’s Face Up To DV here.
If you or a loved one is struggling with domestic abuse, Mamamia urges you to contact 1800 RESPECT, or visit this website.