Hairy-faced Mancunians from all over the city will join XFM DJ Gareth Brooks in the Northern Quarter this evening to raise money for cancer hospital The Christie.
The special ‘Fund Razor’, at Twenty Twenty Two, has been organised by Beards Against the Cancer, a group set up by Brooks after he was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year.
Gareth found out last October after being falsely diagnosed twice with haemorrhoids.
The second doctor then suggested he had a colonoscopy where the tumour was found.
Now in remission, Gareth is bringing together some of his fellow DJs to play at the event and make as much money as possible.
He told MM: “The idea for Beards Against the Cancer came after I was just messing about one night and said to a mate of mine that I was going to grow my beard until I got rid of the tumour.
Last one, I promise. Be good to see you tonight, but if you can’t make it, I won’t judge you… much. pic.twitter.com/L9PpPSiuMA
— gareth brooks (@mrgarethbrooks) June 27, 2014
“A few folk said they’d join me and then one of my closest friends suggested we sold t-shirts and mugs from his shop in Edinburgh.”
The XFM DJ, who presents the morning show on Saturday and Sunday and DJs at Hula, Walrus and Funkedemia, will be joined on the line up by Elliot Eastwick, Bucky and Baggy.
Although Gareth’s tumour has been removed, Beards against The Cancer lives on, and is growing! The group has received support from stars such as Michelle Keegan, Tina O’ Brien, Manchester band Elbow and City skipper Vincent Kompany.
Countless people across the world have also got behind the campaign by flaunting their face fuzz on social media using the hashtag #BeardsAgainstTheCancer.
These lads @BrewDogMancs are supporting @mrgarethbrooks #beardsagainstthecancer @BrewDogBarPhil , good lads – pic.twitter.com/u1K8a0NDHm
— Manchester’s Finest (@McrFinest) December 13, 2013
It’s arrived @mrgarethbrooks ! No beard but I can happily support #beardsagainstthecancer pic.twitter.com/lxLsfdCjiS
— Simon Bowers (@StokieSimon) December 11, 2013
pic of @michkeegan supporting Manchester’s @mrgarethbrooks #beardsagainstthecancer @TheChristie @vitalmanagement pic.twitter.com/Lg6Aedu0mW
— laura graham (@laurajgraham) November 28, 2013
Beard’s getting long. Only a couple of years until I get the all clear… http://t.co/pjChVwvZiR pic.twitter.com/aYe81sdnho
— gareth brooks (@mrgarethbrooks) October 30, 2013
Gareth added: “The support and love I’ve received from all over the UK, Europe, parts of the US, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and South Africa is Incredible.”
Tonight’s event is free and is open to everyone regardless of your facial hair status. Mugs and t-shirts will be available to buy and all money will go to The Christie.
Image courtesy of Juan Luis, with thanks.
