Grow beards and save lives

As a consequence my awareness of this disease increased greatly.

He was a wonderful man who, along with his family, became great friends.

That’s why I became a patron of Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer research charity.

That’s also why I’m encouraging sons, dads, brothers, uncles, nephews and grandads to join together this Decembeard and show their support for the charity.

It’s that time of year again when Bowel Cancer UK asks men across the country to grow a beard throughout December, raising awareness and money to support vital research and life-saving work to stop bowel cancer.

The rules are simple.

Just clean shave on November 30 and let your facial hair flourish throughout the month of December.

Already bearded? No problem.

Dye, ditch or decorate your beard and join the campaign.

More than 44 people die from bowel cancer every day in the UK.

It’s the nation’s second biggest cancer killer.

However it shouldn’t be. It’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Taking part is easy - sign up at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard.

Chris Read,

Captain,

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and former England cricketer,

C/o Bowel Cancer UK,

Borough High Street,

London.