My first cricket coach died from bowel cancer and as a consequence my awareness of this disease increased greatly. He was a wonderful man who, along with his family, became great friends and that’s why I became a patron of Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer research charity. That’s also why I’m encouraging sons, dads, brothers, uncles, nephews and granddads to join together this Decembeard and show their support for the charity.
It’s that time of year again when Bowel Cancer UK asks men across the country to grow a beard throughout December raising awareness and money to support vital research and lifesaving work to stop bowel cancer.
The rules are simple, just clean shave on 30 November and let your facial hair flourish throughout the month of December. Already bearded? No problem. Dye, ditch or decorate your beard and join the campaign.
More than 44 people die from bowel cancer every day in the UK, it’s the nation’s second biggest cancer killer. However it shouldn’t be. It’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.
Taking part is easy, sign up at bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard
Chris Read
Captain, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and former England cricketer
