MALE readers are encouraged to take part in growing a beard during December to raise money to support Bowel Cancer UK.

Taking part in Decembeard is really simple. All you need to do is shave on November 30 and get sponsored to let your facial fuzz grow throughout the following month.

Already the proud owner of a beard? No problem. Dye, ditch or decorate your beard and get fundraising.

More than 23,000 men are diagnosed with bowel cancer in the UK each year, making it the third most common cancer in men. It’s also the nation’s second biggest cancer killer but it shouldn’t be as it’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

All money raised will help save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

Become a hairy hero today and sign up to Decembeard at: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard .