Halton men urged to support 'Decembeard' to help combat bowel cancer

The charity Beating Bowel Cancer is launching Decembeard to break down the stigma of talking about the disease.

Men can grow their facial furniture for the month to raise funds and vital awareness for the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.

More than 100 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every day, yet over 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early.

Last year’s campaign saw 740 ‘Beardys’ raise a total of £110,000.

Everton footballing legend Kevin Sheedy, who battled bowel cancer last year, said: “Thankfully I got help early when I noticed symptoms of bowel cancer and I had a successful operation. I’ve teamed up with Beating Bowel Cancer to help raise awareness of the condition as it’s so important not to bury your head in the sand.

“Decembeard is a great way to get people, especially men, to talk about bowel cancer. It’s a fun campaign and I’m really pleased to be able to lend my support.”

Rachel Thomas, the charity’s community fundraiser, said: “One in four people are touched by bowel cancer in some way, either directly or through a family member or friend. It’s a very treatable condition if caught early, so Decembeard is a fun way people can raise funds and help us to increase awareness of the condition.

“We’re delighted to have partnered with King of Shaves Prostyle and together we’ll have a kingdom of beardys!”

Will King, chief executive of King of Shaves, said: “By teaming up together we can keep Beating Bowel Cancer’s Beardys in tip-top condition. Beards need pruning to look their best, so we’re thrilled to be involved in this campaign. Beating Bowel Cancer plays a vital role in supporting patients and raising awareness, so together we can ‘shave lives’.”

To sign up for Decembeard or for more information, visit: www.beatingbowelcancer.org/decembeard.

King of Shaves Prostyle has offered to donate 10% of sales of their Prostyle range through their website, kingofshavesdirect.com to the campaign.