The founder of a Kent based prostate cancer charity is appealing for more local men to take up the Movember moustache-growing challenge this year.

Graham Edwards, now the funding co-ordinator of Prostate Cancer Support Association Kent (PCSA Kent), made the plea this week.

The drive requires men to grow and groom their beards or moustaches in November, all in the name of charity.

Mr Edwards, of The Marina in Deal, said: “I’m hoping it will raise funds and raise the profile of PCSA Kent, as well as be a bit of fun. I’ve been growing mine for 40 years. It’s not that hard.”

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Sponsorship money will go towards the purchase of a bladder scanner for a Kent hospital to help with the diagnosis and treatment of the male-only disease.

At £7,500 each, Mr Edwards and his team has already provided 25 of them to hospitals around the county.

He said: “The scanners we donate are portable and can be used without patients having to go to the operating theatres.

“This reduces waiting time by about two weeks.”

"I’ve been growing mine for 40 years. It’s not that hard” - Graham Edwards PCSA Kent founder on his moustache

Mr Edwards was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 and attended a support group in Maidstone run by a former Royal Marine colleague.

It was suggested that he should form a group in South Kent, and PSA Canterbury was founded in 2006 but, due to expansion, it later became PCSA Kent. With private donations and superstore collections, Mr Edwards has raised more than £300,000.

He said: “We encourage men to have a regular PSA (blood test) especially if they have risk factors such as having anyone in the family with prostate cancer or having waterworks problems.

“All these may be insignificant and not a problem but if on doubt, check it out.”

PCSA Kent will have a window display in Clockwork Pharmacy in Deal High Street. Leaflets and badges will be available inside.

Sponsorship forms for Movember are available from the Mercury office in Queen Street, Deal, or by calling Graham on 01304 364873.

Everyone who takes part is invited to pose with their ‘taches at the entrance to Deal Pier at 10am on December 3.

Don't forget to send us your pictures of your 'taches to mercurynews@thekmgroup.co.uk or click here.