Time to ditch the razors, guys!

Thursday 01 November 2018

Men across the Bailiwick are asked to 'beard up' for charity this month, to support Male Uprising Guernsey (MUG) with its work across the Bailiwick.

Taxi drivers and students are among those taking part already, with more men expected to sign up through their work places or individually too.

Among those are the guys at Weighbridge Trust, which has already pledged £2,500 to the campaign.

"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.

Pictured: The MUG website has all the information needed to take part or donate. 

Island Taxis are also taking part, with drivers 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 the 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 them are 60 students from Elizabeth college, who have signed up to become part of the 'beautifully bearded brigade' this November.

Pictured: The Channel Islands Cancer Report, which was 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.

MUG raises awareness of, and funds for the treatment of, male cancers. 

"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.

"Last year we raised over £20,000 through the #BeardUp campaign, so this year we would love to beat that! We hope to see as many good men of the Bailiwick as possible making a donation and growing their whiskers for November," said Mr Collins.

Pictured top: The campaign was launched with support from Weighbridge Trust and Island Taxis.