In November 2025, Scott from Scotland began thinking about different ways he could raise money for charity. After considering a few different causes, there was one thing he knew for certain – he wanted to help animals.
Animals have already played an important part in Scott's life, providing him companionship, comfort and a sense of purpose at different times in his life.
When Scott learned more about PDSA and the impact we have on the people who may struggle to afford veterinary treatment for their much-loved pets, he knew he had found a cause he wanted to support.
Braving the shave
Scott decided to take on a fundraising challenge that would certainly get people talking, he volunteered to have his head and beard shaved.
Having not shaved his beard for around a year, the transformation was going to be noticeable and not everyone believed Scott would actually go through with it.
But Scott was determined to prove them wrong.
With the help of volunteer barber, Lee, Scott finally sat down for the big shave. Rather than taking himself too seriously, he embraced the challenge and had great fun while doing it.
His bravery paid off, with Scott raising more than £80 for PDSA.
That £80 would allow a pet in need to have a metal plate to hold a fractured bone together while it healed and recovered. Or would allow 20 critically ill pets receive a bag of fluids, giving them the best chance of recovery.
A lifetime of service
Scott is proud of his time as a Royal Scot, having served in the Army with postings in Germany, Warminster and Kirknewton.
His time in the Army taught him the importance of loyalty, routine and looking out for others, values that have stayed with him.
Those values also helped inspire his decision to support PDSA. Knowing that pets can be such an important source of companionship and support for their owners, Scott wanted to help a charity that works to keep people and their pets together when times get tough.
From fundraising to the front line
After completing his challenge, Scott didn't simply hand over his fundraising and walk away.
He arranged a visit to Edinburgh PDSA Pet Hospital, accompanied by Heather from the Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) staff team.
There, he handed over the money he had raised and had the opportunity to meet members of the Pet Hospital team.
For Scott, seeing the impact PDSA has firsthand made his fundraising feel even more meaningful.
And his fundraising experience hasn't put him off taking on another challenge. In fact, Scott says he'd love to raise money for PDSA again in the future.
Could you take on a challenge for PDSA?
You don't need to shave a years' worth of hair off to make a difference.
From sponsored challenges and sporting events to quizzes, bake sales and completely unique fundraising ideas, there are lots of ways to fundraise for PDSA.
For Scott, his advice to anyone considering fundraising for PDSA is simple:
'Go for it'
He believes fundraising is a great way to do something positive, support a cause that matters and help animals and their owners when they need it most.
Ready to take on your own challenge? Find out how you can fundraise for PDSA and help pets in need.