It’s Movember on steroids, or maybe Movember for real men.
Keith Roberts, who celebrates 25 years in the State Emergency Service this year, has thought up his own kooky cancer fundraising idea so that men of a certain age can think more about their health.
The Winmalee man is calling the event Mad March Makeover and hopes all older men will use the event to makeover their own lives, have an annual medical, and especially get their prostate checked.
To draw attention to the issue, he hasn’t shaved or cut his hair in 12 months.
“I look like Cousin IT [from the Addams Family] as you can see. Some are calling me the hairy man.
“It’s uncomfortable having long hair and a beard, it’s itchy and sweaty ... but nothing compared to what people undergoing chemotherapy are going through.”
Mr Roberts, 62, who hails from Wales in the United Kingdom, had a recent scare with prostate cancer and says it’s for this reason he wants other blokes to see their doctor.
“Australian men are so macho and don’t think to get check-ups … or to get their prostate looked at.
“We all know someone who has been touched by cancer one way or another.
“If I did not have my annual checks my tumour would not have been detected [and] my future would have a very different outcome.”
As part of his fundraising makeover Mr Roberts will also hit the gymnasium and try to lose kilos.
Mr Roberts has already enlisted Winmalee hairdresser Sweeney Todd to cut his hair at the finish and Blue Mountains City councillors are funding his gym membership. Winmalee Lions Club is also offering assistance.
Mr Roberts hopes to raise $10,000 for the cause. To sponsor him, or do your own makeover, as part of the event contact him at: www.facebook.com/madmarchmakeover/.
The event has the backing of the NSW Cancer Council.