AN I.T WORKER is growing a beard for charity in memory of his grandmother who died of bowel cancer.

Dave Higgins is taking part in Decembeard, which will see him grow facial fuzz throughout the month to tackle bowel cancer.

The 30-year-old is ditching his razor in memory of his grandma, who lost her battle with bowel cancer 10 years ago.

The I.T worker at adept4 in Daresbury also took part in last year’s Decembeard.

He said: “The reason for us joining was due to bowel cancer taking our nan over 10 years ago – her loss still resonates with both of us as we were very close to her, so this is a brilliant cause as it can help so many people.

“It really did have an impact on my life at the time and continues to do so – I don’t want other people to experience the loss from such a horrible illness like we did.

“It was my older brother’s idea last year if I’m honest – after he suggested it I signed us up as a pair and we started raising money.

“I wanted to come back again this year and work towards a higher target.

“This is a life-threatening illness and people need to help this charity to ensure we can support families affected and help to stop it being an issue in the future.

“Nobody, young or old, should be lost or lose someone to this terrible illness – it completely changes the person by the end and it’s awful to witness.

“You’re helpless and that’s the worst feeling, that you can’t help your loved one with the pain and suffering they are going through.”

Decembeard is aiming to recruit 5,000 men to raise half a millions pounds this year, and Dave has already smashed his target of £100.

To donate go to justgiving.com/David-Higgins11.