Decembeard : Theo Coyne

Here at Beardrevered we are very proud to support Decembeard, a fund raising campaign for Bowel Cancer – the UK’s second biggest cause of cancer deaths. Decembeard aims to be just as (if not more) hairy than its widely established older brother, Movember,

September saw the launch of the new Decembeard website and we wholeheartedly encourage you to support this lifesaving cause. In over 90% of cases, bowel cancer can be successfully treated if diagnosed early enough.  That is why it is so important to be aware of the symptoms and act on them.

What’s better, Decembeard is spearheaded by a truly inspirational man in his own right. A man with a huge heart and an equally huge beard,  Theo Coyne. Here’s what Theo had to say when we caught up with him earlier this month.

What is Decembeard?

Decembeard is a men’s lifestyle charity fundraising campaign. Think Movember but with beards.

Beards are sooo talked about these days but bowel cancer simply is not talked about enough. So Beating Bowel Cancer will be using Decembeard to raise awareness of the disease, whilst also raising much needed funds to support those directly affected by bowel cancer.

We’re hoping that a minimum of 2,500 men throughout the UK will get sponsored to grow a beard (or grow it longer if you already have one!) and raise a minimum of £100 each so we can reach our fundraising total of £250,000 – and get the country talking!

How do you get involved?

We are Movember’s little but hairier brother. We want normal wimps to ditch their razors for a month and fundraise as they become big grizzly bears, which we all love! They can sign up at www.decembeard.org

If you have a beard we still need you! Sign up and use that beard to raise funds and become an ambassador by getting all your mates signed up too. REAL woman can get involved by getting their men on-board.

Who is Theo Coyne in 3 words?

I’m sure there are many better judges of this than myself. Hopefully people think I’m Positive, Energetic and Creative.

How did you initially become involved in this project?

I joined Beating Bowel Cancer over a year ago and I was staggered to learn the facts. Little did I know it was the second biggest cancer killer and that one person dies every 33 minutes. However there is a 90% survival rate if diagnosed early enough and so it just didn’t add up! Once I started talking to people they were just as surprised as I had been and unaware that knowing the symptoms could save their lives. Decembeard looks like the way to break this barrier and so our team is looking to make it the new hairy fundraiser to be a part of!

I’ve discovered that beards really do get people talking!

Tell us about your beard? How long have you been growing it?

I decided to start my Decembeard in January 2014 and continue to the end of the year. So it is 9 months young. I wanted to use it as a talking point and promotion for the campaign but also to initiate conversations about bowel cancer. And it’s worked – I’ve discovered that beards really do get people talking! Imagine how much awareness of the disease we can raise if we have thousands of ‘beardies’ out there willing to talk about it.

Your top 3 grooming tips or favourite products?

I soon learnt that I needed oil for my beard and couldn’t just let it grow and hope for the best. Apothecary 87’s Milly’s has been a saviour and it means I smell nice – beards aren’t that bad people now say! They have also become awesome supporters of the campaign. I use horse shampoo and conditioner, Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo and Conditioner, for the beard and hair – sounds a bit wrong but the best stuff, particularly as my beard is coarse!

What’s in store for the run up to December – can you give us a sneak preview?

We don’t want to give too much away in advance so would advise everyone to follow us on twitter and check the website to avoid missing anything!!

When you’re not in Decembeard mode, how do you like to spend your time?

Obviously with my better half, Lisa Potter-Dixon. We have a giggle, 10 years together now and she says I have aged terribly now that I have the beard (she loves it though!). I’m also a football man, so I play it and watch it loads. Then I love my music, so you will often find me listening or clubbing to soul classics, RnB and Hip-hop! Random.

Favourite City, Favourite Restaurant, Favourite Mantra?

LA – I feel like an American kid at heart at times; Love a burger, so In ‘n’ Out – annoying only in Californian!

A mission statement by a former NFL Star, Merlin Olsen. It is simple but so spot on and if we all followed it, well…..

The focus of life begins at home with the family, loved ones and friends. I want to use my resources to create a secure environment that fosters love, learning, laughter and mutual success.

I will protect and value integrity,  I will admit and quickly correct my mistakes, I will be a self-starter, I will be a caring person, I will be a good listener with an open mind, I will continue to grow and learn, I will facilitate and celebrate the success of others

Who is your ultimate bearded hero and why?

I’ve learnt a lot on my bearded journey and met some incredible bearded individuals along the way – many deserve a mention – but it has to be my dad. He had a beard from the age of 20 and I don’t think I really appreciated it as kid at all. Sadly he is no longer with us, but I often hope he is looking down chuffed about my efforts and what it is being used for.

decembeard.org