An ambassador for Decembeard from Bedfont is calling on neighbours to go grizzly in aid of a charity close to his heart.
Ray Hutchinson, 35, who has been growing his beard for more than a year, wants other men to join him to help raise £500,000 for charity Beating Bowel Cancer.
Mr Hutchinson’s mother-in-law was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2013, and he stopped shaving last year after his wife Michelle read about the Decembeard campaign.
He will complete several challenges to drum up funds and will continue to grow the beard until his mother-in-law who is still under going treatment is better.
Mr Hutchinson said: “Since November 1 2014 I have been growing a beard to raise vital funds for the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.
“I am committed to keep growing the beard for as long as my mother in law is undergoing treatment.
“So this year I will be keeping the beard and undertaking challenges to help Beating Bowel Cancer raise £500,000.”
Once Mr Hutchinson’s donations reach £250 he will colour his beard with some temporary colouring; at £500 will create a crazy style for his beard; and at £1,000 will get a tattoo of the Decembeard logo.
“It’s such a great talking point. Spreading awareness of symptoms can save lives. I hope that men in the Bedfont area will sign up today and make a real difference,” added Mr Hutchinson.
Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer with more than 41,000 people diagnosed with the disease each year, but if caught early, more than 90% of cases can be treated successfully.
Decembeard needs 5,000 men to grow beards and help raise £500,000.
Donations can be made to Ray's Justgiving page .
For Beating Bowel Cancer contact nurse helpline on 020 8973 0011 or email nurse@beatingbowelcancer.org.
