This Decembeard, I’m (re)growing a beard to raise vital funds for the wonderful charity Bowel Cancer UK to them beat bowel cancer.

I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in May 2016.  It had already spread to my liver and since then it has also spread to my lungs.  My chances of being cured lie somewhere between unlikely and impossible so, as you can imagine, this cause is very close to my heart.  Oh, and I'm only 40, by the way.

In the last two and a half years, I have had 25 rounds of radiotherapy; 27 (and counting) rounds of chemotherapy; I've spent 40+ nights in hospital and had 2 major, 1 slightly less major and 4 minor operations.  

Things are currently stable, thankfully, but how long for is anyone's guess.

I grew a modest beard in May 2009, since when it has been a permanent fixture on my face so on 1st December, I will shave it off for only the second time in nearly ten years and will leave it to grow throughout December.  No trimming, no manscaping, just itching.

A group of my amazing friends have also agreed to take part this year so please give generously either to me or to the Bingers' Beardos team so that we can help to make a difference to those suffering from the evil of Bowel Cancer.

Thank you so much.

PS If you would like to know more about my personal journey, visit my blog at www.thenextcorner.co.uk.  Thank you.