Dean and Scott Get Groomed (a fundraiser for Nat)

In late 2014, I had my last shave and left for England. Three years later, my beard has grown mighty and so has my community - people who are irreplaceable, and much missed now I'm home in New Zealand.

Shortly after l left the UK, my amazing friend Natalie Wager was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer. Before her diagnosis, Nat and her partner Tom took on a complex house renovation, planning to complete the decorating themselves as a DIY project together. With their house half-renovated, their focus now is on Nat's recovery - and she is facing a long journey in not-so-comfortable surroundings. As a builder, I wish I could be with her in Norwich to complete a room or two, to give her a relaxing (or at least, not dusty and half finished) space to recuperate in. Since I can't be there, I'd like to raise some funds towards a decorator to help out in my place.

Acknowledging Nat's bravery, and in loving memory of our aunt Bub, my equally-beardy brother Scott and I are going to have a (much-needed?!) shave. If you're curious about what our chins look like (or if you're just one of Nat's many fans), we would love you to sponsor us - proceeds directly to Nat via GiveALittle (NZ donations, to be transferred via Transferwise to the UK). UK-based folks may prefer to use our JustGiving page, or to support the Norfolk-based charity The Big C - they provide Nat and others like her with practical and emotional support in their cancer journeys.