Beard Up with MUG this November
A GUERNSEY cancer charity wants men to be talking about facial hair during November – and by extension talking about male cancers.
Male Uprising Guernsey is running its annual Beard Up campaign throughout the month, aiming to raise awareness of male cancers and potentially raise up to £10,000, all through encouraging local men to drop the razor for November.
Mug chairman Chris Walker said it was easy to get involved in the event, now in its eighth year.
‘It doesn’t take much effort to get involved with Beard Up,’ he said, ‘you just don’t have to shave.’
There is a £20 entry fee for an individual, £250 for a company of up to 12 people and £350 for a larger business.
Last year around 100 individuals, including 20 companies, took part and raised over £20,800.
All the money remained in the island and was used for cancer-related projects, but Mr Walker said that raising awareness was arguably more important.
‘The awareness is the most important thing.
‘Many men ignore the signs. They think it’s embarrassing and they don’t want to talk about it with anyone, including significant others,’ he said.
‘We want men to be aware that if they have any issues they must do something about it, not think that someone’s going to do it for them.
‘And I do think it’s improving, men are becoming more and more aware of cancer.
‘Women have more access for tests and screenings, whereas men don’t get annual check-ups. Unless a man does something and brings up concerns, realistically nothing is going to happen.
‘With early detection, being aware of issues and doing something about it, you can change the outcome.’
n To take part in the Beard Up campaign in November visit https://mug.gg/donate-fundraise/get-involved/.
