See the painful moment Sunderland grandad has his nose hair waxed at South Tyneside Sainsbury's for Sport Relief

John Hull, manager of Sainsbury’s in Binchester Street, Simonside was put forward for the challenge by his colleagues in aid of Sport Relief on Friday, March 13.

A number of planned fundraising events in store unfortunately had to be cancelled due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus which led a member of staff to suggest nose hair waxing instead.

John, 58, who lives in Fulwell, Sunderland, was chosen for his particularly hairy nostrils - which he blames on being “an age thing”.

“Everybody at work is very aware that I have got hairy nostrils,” he said.

His colleague Alison Wainman was only too happy to carry out the deed, mercilessly ripping the wax strips off one nostril at a time - all in the name of a good cause.

“She took the greatest pleasure in doing it, she was smiling like a Cheshire cat the whole time,” said John.

“I was very nervous beforehand and it was quite embarrassing sitting there in front of everyone.

“The first one wasn’t too bad – I only got one tear in my eye – but on the second she hesitated and took me by surprise.”

He added: “It got a few laughs out of colleagues and customers and few donations. The customers are always very generous.”

Sport Relief aims to raise life changing money through the power of sport, with donations spent on tackling major issues including mental health stigma, domestic abuse, homelessness and child poverty.

Over the last week the store has raised almost £400 for the charity which will go to help people in the UK and across the world.

John was happy with his new look, but said he wouldn’t be in a rush to go through the ordeal again.

“I can breathe a lot better,” he admitted.

“I wouldn’t go so far as to say I enjoyed it but I’ve done my bit.

He added: “I don’t mind going through a bit of a pain barrier for charity, but I think it will be a while before I get it done again.”