TACHE FOR CASH

SAILOR leads charity beard growing competition after his own very personal battle.

Leading Aircraft Engineering Technician (LAET) Sean Roberts addressed the sensitive and generally avoided subject of testicular cancer in an attempt to increase awareness alongside raising money for Itsinthebag.org.uk, a south west based men’s cancer charity.

For the month of November personnel on 825 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) at Yeovilton have attempted to grow the manliest facial hair they could paying a £5 entry fee.

LAET Sean Roberts said;

“Having personally suffered with this disease in 2014, I thought it time to give something back to the charity that helped me through the bad times. Itsinthebag.org.ukdo fantastic work in helping men during treatment and after, as well as family support. My mission was to get men to talk about what is usually avoided, which in turn can save lives. I did this by talking frankly about my situation and answering any questions asked no matter how inappropriate!”

The judging was performed by Lieutenant (Lt) Charlotte Milne with support from LAET Lou Carter (Photographer) and AET Charlotte Kingsland. Prizes were given for Best to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Paul Haigh who received a bottle of whisky, Beard oil and Beard trimmer. Worst went to AET Chris Partridge who received a bottle of fizzy wine, facemask and a copy of a Women’s Magazine.

LAET Sean Roberts added;

“In total, the squadron raised £420 for the charity! Donations came from Squadron members not participating, friends and family too. This was gratefully received by my specialist nurse and charity co founder Sue Brand. Unfortunately I could not be at the competition judging as I was actually at one of my follow-up appointments at the hospital. The news was good.”

I would like to say a big thank you to all at 825 NAS for the fantastic involvement in this cause, not only for raising money for a charity that helped me, but they have also been a part of my support network. My peers and my superiors along with my family and friends have played a huge role in my recovery through talking, listening and ultimately having a typical military sense of humour which has undoubtedly helped the most.”

Further information at http://itsinthebag.org.uk/