SCOTT Smith, of South Ockenden, certainly has the gift of the grow, and he’s calling on fellow Thurrock residents to harness the power of the beard to help beat bowel cancer.
As one of the national Decembeard ambassadors Scott is urging local men to stop shaving and go grizzly for the month of December to raise funds for the charity Beating Bowel Cancer.
Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer. Each year more than 41,000 people are diagnosed with the disease, but if caught early, more than 90% of cases can be treated successfully.
Scott, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer when he was 28, says: “I am one of the 90 per cent of people who have been successfully treated because I was diagnosed early enough.
“I first got involved with Beating Bowel Cancer after doing an obstacle race for them and loved the family feel of the charity – you’re not just a number to them.”
This will be the third year Scott’s taken part in Decembeard. “For me it’s all about raising money for a great cause but also it’s a symbolic gesture and a nod to everyone going through it,” he said.
“And it’s a great talking point. Spreading awareness of symptoms can save lives. I hope that men in the Thurrock area will sign up today and make a real difference.”
To join Scott’s team go to www.justgiving.com/Mud-Bag-Runner-Decembeard-2015/
For more information about Decembeard or to sign up, go to www.decembeard.org. You can also check out the campaign @Decembeard_UK #decembeard.
For more information about bowel cancer, visit www.beatingbowelcancer.org . Or if you have any concerns or queries, you can contact their Nurse Helpline on 020 8973 0011 or email nurse@beatingbowelcancer.org
