Peter Both's beard raises money and awareness

He has grown his beard for a year to raise awareness of Life Education Australia.

Life Education is the largest non-government provider of health education to children and aims to see all Australians free from the effects of drugs misuse.

Mr Both estimated his beard is now about five inches long.

"I can't wait to get rid of it - it has been a long year," he said.

"I never thought it would get this long."

Mr Both aimed to raise $2000 for Life Education, but he has already raised more than $2500.

"I'm hoping to get to about $3000 now," he said.

"I'm having a party on New Year's Eve to hack off the beard - it is a pyjama party and there will be a raffle."

Mr Both said he would have to shave it off slowly because his two year old son might not recognise him.

He said it was not something he would do again.

"I had to shampoo, condition and brush it every day," he said.

"Food gets stuck it in all the time, my son pulls on it and I look like I'm about 60."

Despite the downsides, Mr Both said the beard had done its job.

"It's a good cause and people are always calling for more awareness of social issues, which is exactly what Life Education does," he said.

"It educates children, not just about drugs and alcohol, but about bullying and sexual exploration.

"People ask me about the beard, and it gives me a chance to talk about the cause."

Mr Both said he had started thinking about his next fundraising initiative.

"I will definitely raise money next time, but in a different way," he said.

Mr Both said people could go to everydayhero.com.au to donate.