A HEREFORD magician is hoping to play his cards right by raising as much money as possible for prostate and testicular cancer charities.

Kiegan Vallely, from Kings Acre, is halfway through the Movember challenge which sees men raising awareness of men’s health, by not shaving throughout the month of November.

Kiegan, who has already raised hundreds of pounds through his magic shows, is growing his facial hair in memory of his father who died from cancer a couple of years ago.

“I am overwhelmed that I have managed to raise that much so far,” he said.

“I truly believe mesmerising people with my close-up magic, as well as putting smiles on their faces, has played an integral part in the amount of people donating towards sponsoring my moustache.”

Kiegan, who is partially deaf, used to be a teacher and database programmer, but found it difficult hearing in the classroom and on the telephone.

He then turned to magic – and has not looked back since.

“It is incredibly rewarding entertaining people,” he added.

“Especially when their jaws drop at your tricks.”

Kiegan will be performing at an ‘after mo’ party at Watercress Harry’s on Sunday, November 27, where there will be prizes for the Man of Movember.

All the male staff at the bar and at Saxtys, in the city, are taking part in the initiative and a zumba night was recently held at the Starlight Dance Company to raise funds.

Staff and customers at The Rose and Crown pub in Ledbury Road are also taking part, including Tupsley councillor Alex Hempton-Smith, while Jamie Hay, Joe Griffiths and Jack Tod, who are aiming to drive from Ross-on-Wye to Las Vegas next year, took part in a 10km ‘Running of the Mos’ on Sunday.

Men at oak frame house company Oakwrights in Swainshill are also taking part.