Close shave after Osama death - The Sun

A TEACHER who vowed ten years ago not to shave until Osama Bin Laden was caught or killed has finally been able to lop off his beard.

The years of waiting meant Gary Weddle, 50, ended up with wizard-like facial hair.

But he was determined to keep his pledge which he made in response to the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001 that left nearly 3,000 innocent people dead.

Mr Weddle said he had cried on Sunday night after hearing the al-Qaeda leader had finally been nailed at his hideaway in Pakistan and "couldn't get it off fast enough".

The science teacher said he wanted to cut the beard off years ago as had his wife Donita but he had made a vow not to shave until Bin Laden was captured or killed.

He said: "When the twin towers came down, I was horrified and I was glued to that television set for several days.

"And I realised that not only was I not taking showers I wasn't shaving."

Mr Weddle, from Washington, was so quick to get rid of his beard he was shaving off the last of his stubble as President Barack Obama confirmed the terror chief had been shot dead by US Special Forces.

Donita said: "I wanted him to get rid of it, but it was his vow.

"I respected his passion and keeping a vow. I was willing to look past the beard because I love him.

"He looks ten years younger. It's a very happy moment for us. It's a very happy moment for the whole nation."