It's a new month – but things are hairier than ever

After a month of growing moustaches for Movember, men across the county are now being asked to increase their facial fur for another hairy charity challenge – Decembeard.

Participants are sponsored to grow a beard this month, with the money raised going to the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.


People will be able to share photos of their progress online.

Women and children can also take part by wearing a fake beard.

The aim of the initiative is to increase awareness of bowel cancer and help to break down the stigma of talking about the disease.

Edouard Spoone lost his wife, Heather, to bowel cancer in October last year, and he is growing a beard for the challenge in her memory.

Heather was just 35 when she died, having been diagnosed in September 2009, two weeks after the couple's wedding.

Edouard, a 39-year-old computer programmer, of Whetstone, is planning to grow the biggest volume of facial fuzz he possibly can for the challenge, and hopes to raise £500.

"I was devastated when Heather was diagnosed with bowel cancer and when she passed away in October last year I was determined to help prevent others from having to go through the same pain," he said.

"We really need to stop people losing their life to the disease, so I'm taking part in Decembeard to help the charity raise awareness and support those who are battling bowel cancer.

"I took part in Decembeard last year with a group of friends which was good fun.

"We raised lots of money, although the beard did become itchy towards the end of the month!

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