Male Uprising Guernsey are running their annual Beard Up campaign throughout the month, with the aim of raising awareness of male cancers and potentially raising up to £10,000, all by encouraging local men to ditch their beards for November.

Mug president Chris Walker said it was easy to get involved with the event, now in its eighth year.

“It doesn’t take much effort to get involved with Beard Up,” he said, “you just don’t have to shave.”

There is an entry fee of £20 for an individual, £250 for a company of up to 12 people and £350 for a larger business.

Last year around 100 people, including 20 companies, took part and raised over £20,800.

All the money stayed on the island and was used for cancer-related projects, but Mr Walker said raising awareness was arguably more important.

“Awareness is the most important thing.

“Many men ignore the signs. They think it’s embarrassing and don’t want to talk about it with anyone, including significant others,’ he said.

“We want men to be aware that if they have problems, they need to do something about it, not think that someone is going to do it for them.

“And I think it’s getting better, men are becoming more aware of cancer.

“Women have more access to tests and screenings, while men don’t get annual check-ups. Unless a man does something and raises concerns, realistically nothing will happen.

“By early detection, being aware of problems and doing something about them, you can change the outcome.”

n To participate in the Beard Up campaign in November, visit