In July, Sydney based cycling photographer Marcus Enno, better known as Beardy McBeard was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.Thankfully his prognosis is good, and after three months of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he should be back on his bike in no time.
However for someone who has built his cycling photography business around his luscious facial hair, Beardy is not looking forward to the hair loss that is a side effect of chemo. So instead, he has decided to shave on Monday 29 September for the World’s Greatest Shave and raise money for the Leukemia foundation.
“Instead of waiting for my beard to fall out due to chemo, I will be facing the clippers to become Baldy McBald. I thought the best way to raise funds and awareness of this common cancer that affects so many young people was to shave off my beard,” Beardy said.
The Leukemia foundation is the only national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to cure those living with lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma and related blood disorders. It also receives no ongoing government funding, relying completely on community support.
In an effort to give back, Beardy set out to raise $3,000, and in only three days raised over $10,000 with the help of his loyal Instagram followers. Now working in collaboration with Giant, Bont, Rapha and Attaquer, Beardy is looking to raise $20,000 for the Leukemia foundation, while also giving back to those who supported him.
Beardy himself, as well as a few of his friends from the cycling industry have put up prizes for those who donate to the cause. Prizes include; an unframed print from Beardy’s latest exhibition ‘Giro d’Italia; a Giant Propel Advance Pro 1; two pairs of custom Bont cycling shoes; a Poc Octal helmet and a 4 Pines brewery tour and goodie pack. Rapha and Attaquer will also be donating a portion of their sales from the 29th to support the cause.
The Beardy barber shop will take place at the Rapha Cycle Club in Sydney, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Food and drinks will be served for all attending, including beer from 4 Pines.
To dontate to Beardy’s cause please visit my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/beardymcbeard.
