Bird Keeper’s Close Shave For Charity Raises £2,500 For Prostate Cancer UK

This week at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bird Keeper Chris Green raised £2,500 for Prostate Cancer UK by shaving off half his beard and half his hair for the leading men’s health charity. Chris was keen to raise funds after Prostate Cancer UK supported two of his good friends who are currently undergoing treatment for the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men but the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat.

Chris’ challenge comes during Men’s Health Week when Prostate Cancer UK are encouraging more men to check their risk of getting prostate cancer – the disease that 1 in 8 men will get and the only common cancer still without a screening programme.

The Bird Keeper is famous for his beard at the Park and has even gained a following on social media praising his impressive facial hair. After nine months of growing it, he wanted to do something different to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK by shaving half his hair and the opposite side of his beard off (known as a ‘halfsie’). Chris commented: “This is a charity close to my heart as unfortunately two of my friends are currently receiving treatment for this disease. Prostate Cancer UK have been such an incredible support during their time of need, I really wanted to do something to raise funds for such an amazing and life-changing charity”.

Chris Jarrett, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “We’re so grateful for the innovative support of Chris, who for many years has been a passionate supporter of many great causes. We’re told he never does things by halves, so this hair-raising challenge is fitting and will certainly make him hard to miss! We thank him and Cotswold Wildlife Park for raising crucial funds and amazing awareness too. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and an early diagnosis can save your life. Chris’ story illustrates just why more men need to be aware of the risk of prostate cancer. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. Anyone with concerns should visit the charity’s online risk checker.”

Thanks to the generosity of visitors, friends and Cotswold Wildlife Park staff, Chris has so far raised £2,500 for the charity – beating his own target of £500 by 500%. He has vowed to keep his ‘halfsie’ for another week, in which time he hopes to raise even more funds for Prostate Cancer UK. His unusual look has sparked curiosity from visitors who enquire about his bizarre facial hair. After initial puzzlement, they have been quick to congratulate him on his fundraising efforts and many have donated generously after hearing his story. The donation page will remain open for the next few weeks. If you would like to support Chris, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-green-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=015