A BARBER shop which bowled over social media by giving haircuts for the homeless and job seekers have had its first customers take up the offer.

Last week, we reported how Skullfades Barber Shop, on Washway Road, Sale, started a compassionate promotion for society’s needy.

Owner Ged King, a former soldier, was inspired to offer the service when he read about the shocking number of veterans left homeless after leaving the military – and extended the offer to job seekers as he has been in the same difficult situation in the past.

He posted the offer on Facebook and it spread like wildfire, with more than 2,000 likes and 1,300 shares.

The 30-year-old has reported that since Thursday’s post, four homeless men and one job seeker have availed of the offer.

Ged shared Neil's experience on Facebook

He shared one of the experiences on the shop's Facebook page: “This is Neil he's had a tough time and spent the last few months living in a tent. He came in today to make use of our Skullfades Homeless Project looking beat up and down.

“He left with a smart fade clean shaven with some products in his hand all completely free, hopefully feeling a little bit better about life. I hope every Barber Shop starts doing the same. Very rewarding day.”

Again, social media heaped praise on the barbers, with the post garnering more than 300 shares, almost 2,000 likes and dozens of comments.

Tara Teejay Pownall wrote: “I think it's amazing that you're doing this, unfortunately some businesses only think about profit hence a lot of them won't do what you're doing.”

Gemma Mynes wrote: “Amazing vision Ged, fantastic role model for my boys, proud to bring them to you!”

The original post 

Speaking to the Messenger, Ged said doing the cuts was really ‘fulfilling’.

“When Neil first came in he was embarrassed, he had his head down and spoke quietly but we told him ‘no problem’, come in and have a seat,” he said.

“It was quiet then so I took my time with the cut, had a proper chat and a cup of tea.

“He could hardly contain himself when he saw the cut, he was trying to keep it cool but he was buzzing, he loved it.

“You could tell he was appreciative.”

For more information, visit Skullfades’ Facebook page.