Bladen County barber living with Parkinson’s is grateful for community support

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — In Bladen County, a longtime barber shop owner recently put down his clippers due to the effects of Parkinson’s.

But he hopes to one day get back to cutting hair like he’s done for so many years.

Bridgers Barber & Beauty Shop on South Poplar Street has been open in Elizabethtown for more than 50 years.

The current owner, Russ Bridgers, has operated it for more than 30 years.

In 2018, Bridgers was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but the disease began to affect him late last year before he had to stop working in January.

His longtime friend and fellow barber, Mike White, has since taken over working at Bridger’s business while also running his own barber shop.

Bridgers said all of the support he’s received means so much as he goes through rehab trying to overcome the disease.

“And as far as all of the people rallying around me, it’s just been a blessing and its a blessing that Mike be able to keep the shop going and everything,” Bridgers said. “And I know it’s tough on him up there, but he’s doing a good job and that’s all I can ask for right now.”

Bridgers said he still hopes to one day be able to work again.

A fundraiser is being held to support Bridgers.