A CAERNARFON man is set to grow a beard in December to raise money for a cause he keeps close to his heart.

Aled Evans is raising money for Bowel Cancer UK - a charity which helps fight against the disease which took his father, Gerald, away from him.

45-year-old Aled says he is joining the Decembeard fundraising campaign as 2018 marks 20 years since his dad passed away after a "long and difficult but courageous " six year battle with bowel cancer.

He added that he is determined to make more people aware of the disease and raise much needed funds for the charity.

"My dad passed away in May 1998 and with it being 20 years this year I was planning to celebrate my father’s life with some kind of fundraising," Aled explained.

"I saw the details about the Decembeard and decided that this was the ideal campaign for me because it will mean fundraising for Bowel Cancer UK.”

Aled had set himself an initial target of £100, but he has already more than doubled that, collecting £235 via his Just Giving page (justgiving.com/fundraising/bcuk-decembeard-2018-3471).

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men in the UK and the nation’s second biggest cancer killer.

Bowel Cancer UK official say it shouldn’t be, as it’s treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early.

Director of fundraising for the charity, Luke Squires, said: “Our vision is a future where nobody dies of bowel cancer, but we can’t achieve this alone.

"We’re inviting men to join us this December to save lives by growing a beard. It’s a fun and simple way to raise vital funds that will make a big difference.”

The charity say that taking part in 'Decembeard' is really simple. All you need to do is clean shave on November 30 and let your facial fuzz grow throughout the month.

Those who already have bards are encouraged to dye, ditch or decorate them and join the campaign. Further information: bowelcanceruk.org.uk/decembeard