Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG) is once again encouraging men to embrace their facial hair and grow a beard in November to support the charity’s work in the Bailiwick.
Fundraising for the campaign has already got to a flying start thanks to a pledge of £2,500 from Weighbridge Trust.
“The work MUG does in raising awareness of men’s health in the island is invaluable, and we wanted to support this fun initiative. As 2018 is Weighbridge Trust’s 40th anniversary, it serves as a great reminder for men to go get checked,” said Matt Hemans of Weighbridge Trust.
Additionally this year, the charity’s campaign will be supported by Island Taxis, whose drivers will be doing their best to ‘grow a grizzly’ whilst also helping to raise awareness of male cancers with a special taxi receipt.
Throughout November, passengers will be given a card explaining why getting health concerns checked quickly, could save their life.
“As the island’s largest taxi and coach company, we realised that Island Taxis could help spread this important health message. We look forward to playing our part in this year’s Beard Up campaign and hope that our drivers can make a difference,” said Mario from Island Taxis.
Joining the cabbies are 60 students from Elizabeth College, who have signed up to become part of the bearded brigade this November.
The Channel Islands Cancer Report, released in July 2017, highlighted that prostate cancer is the island’s number one cause of cancer death and is the second most common cancer in the island.
“Around 16 men die from prostate cancer each year and early diagnosis can make a big difference to treatment options and the long-term outcome,” said Dan Collins, Chairman of Male Uprising Guernsey,
“We want to continuously remind men to check any health concerns as soon as possible, the support from Island Taxis for this campaign is fantastic – we are delighted they can help us to spread the important ‘get checked’ message. We would also like to acknowledge Weighbridge Trust’s generous contribution and urge other firms to get involved.
“Early detection of cancer can save lives. It’s a lesson I know well myself, and we do not want that message to be forgotten.”
Funds from this year’s campaign will be allocated in consultation with the Medical Specialist Group and Princess Elizabeth Hospital. “We look forward to discussing how Beard Up funds raised will be used in the most beneficial way possible for cancer sufferers in the Bailiwick,” said Mr Collins.
In previous years, the Beard Up campaign has supported CAN Move exercise classes for cancer patients, the SHARE classes in secondary schools and implemented several health awareness campaigns.
Men are asked to sign up to the event via the charity’s Just Giving page which can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/MUGbeardup
The charity asks individuals to pay a £20.00 participation donation, while businesses can get their whole team involved for £250.00.
