A barber who survived near fatal domestic abuse is now starting his own barbershop and wants to "pay back" Watford for all the help he was given.

On October 5, 2014, Kris Clarke, now 51, had a champagne bottle smashed over his head while he was sleeping.

It almost killed him. Neighbours heard the noise and ran to his rescue. Kris describes it as a "miracle" that they got to him.

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He was taken to Watford General Hospital, going into cardiac arrest on the way there, but doctors were able to save his life. His partner of nine years was jailed for section 18 GBH.

In 2019 the Observer covered how Kris recovered from mental health struggles, alcoholism and weight gain through membership of Fitness4Less Watford.

Now Kris has opened his own barbershop inside the same Fitness4Less.

Kris said: “My father passed away, so my family wanted me to take over his barbershop in Wales, but Watford held a big place for me now. So, with their support I’ve opened a barbershop in Watford.

“I have now been speaking with the chamber of commerce about getting involved to be a spokesperson so I can create a space for people to talk, in a barbershop environment.

"I wanted to pay back Watford for all their help I have been given.” 

Kris, originally from North Wales but moved to Watford in 2002, has also been talking with St Albans charity the OLLIE (One Life Lost Is Enough) foundation to do more to help others.

He had already been using his experience to inspire and help others. He is involved with CALM, a campaign against male suicide while he also volunteered with Beacon Victim Care, an organisation that supported Kris in his recovery.

Kris has further ambitions for his shop. He said: “Its only a small site to hopefully build to larger things in the town centre.”

Prior to starting his own shop on site. Kris had been crowned Fitness4Less' nationwide member of the year for 2019.

Chris has been a barber since the age of 15 and previously worked as a barber at Headhunters in St Albans Road.