A CANCER survivor is growing some fashionable facial hair for a good cause.

As part of International Men’s Day on Monday November 19, Matt Tebbatt, 47 from Eckington, Worcestershire is growing a beard this December to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK and help stop people dying of the disease.

Architect and MD of One Creative Environments, Mr Tebbatt is taking part in the Decembeard fundraising campaign as he has recently been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Keen to make a negative situation into a positive, he has joined the campaign and is intending on having some fun at the same time. Mr Tebbatt is determined to make more people aware of the disease and raise much needed funds for the cause.

Nr Tebbatt said: “Decembeard is a great initiative to raise money to help stop bowel cancer. OK, I’ve got a beard already but instead of growing one, I’ll be decorating, colouring, adorning, embellishing, sculpting and creating some ‘facial architecture'.

My daughter, Grace, is going to be taking charge of the decorations and my son, Sam, is also going to be dying his hair to support me (he can’t grow a beard yet). Family, friends and work colleagues have all been amazing already with their donations. I’ve already changed my fundraising target twice. Keep on donating please.”

Donations can be made to: justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-tebbatt

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men in the UK and the nation’s second biggest cancer killer. However it shouldn’t be, as it’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Director of fundraising for Bowel Cancer UK, Luke Squires, said: “Our vision is a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer, but we can’t achieve this alone. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer however it is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. We’re inviting men to join us this December to save lives by growing a beard. It’s a fun and simple way to raise vital funds that will make a big difference.”

Taking part in Decembeard is simple. All you need to do is clean shave on 30 November and let your facial fuzz grow throughout the month. If you are already bearded you can dye, ditch or decorate your beard and join the campaign.

Grow a beard will raise funds to support Bowel Cancer UK's vital services and lifesaving research. To find out more visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard.