This week at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bird Keeper Chris Green raised £2,500 for Prostate Cancer UK by shaving off half his beard and half his hair for the leading men’s health charity. Chris was keen to raise funds after Prostate Cancer UK supported two of his good friends who are currently undergoing treatment for the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men but the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat.
Chris with Penguin JJ who showed her support and stayed near Chris for the entire shave. Photo credit: Philip Joyce
Chris’ challenge comes during Men’s Health Week when Prostate Cancer UK are encouraging more men to check their risk of getting prostate cancer – the disease that 1 in 8 men will get and the only common cancer still without a screening programme.
The Bird Keeper is famous for his beard at the Park and has even gained a following on social media praising his impressive facial hair. After nine months of growing it, he wanted to do something different to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK by shaving half his hair and the opposite side of his beard off (known as a ‘halfsie’). Chris commented: “This is a charity close to my heart as unfortunately two of my friends are currently receiving treatment for this disease. Prostate Cancer UK have been such an incredible support during their time of need, I really wanted to do something to raise funds for such an amazing and life-changing charity”.
Chris Jarrett from Prostate Cancer UK and Chris Green before the shave. Photo credit: Philip Joyce
Chris Jarrett, Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK (pictured left with Chris Green), said: “We’re so grateful for the innovative support of Chris, who for many years has been a passionate supporter of many great causes. We’re told he never does things by halves, so this hair-raising challenge is fitting and will certainly make him hard to miss! We thank him and Cotswold Wildlife Park for raising crucial funds and amazing awareness too. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and an early diagnosis can save your life. Chris’ story illustrates just why more men need to be aware of the risk of prostate cancer. Men are at higher risk if they are over 50, Black or have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. Anyone with concerns should visit the charity’s online risk checker.”
Chris with his ‘halfsie’. Photo credit Philip Joyce
Commenting on his appearance post-shave, Chris Green said: “My new look may have raised a few eyebrows but it has also raised a lot of money for one of my favourite charities. You never know, I may even have started a new trend for hipsters! I’m now half the hairy man I used to be but am thrilled that by shaving off half my beard and hair off for Prostate Cancer UK, we’ve hopefully helped raise awareness and funds for this life-saving charity. I’m lost for words at everyone’s generosity. Thanks to all those who have supported me.”
Bird Keeper Laura shaving Chris’ hair by the Penguin pool. Photo credit: Philip Joyce
Penguin Keeper Laura volunteered her services and gave Chris a ‘halfsie’ by the Penguin Pool (pictured above). As well as receiving the support of visitors and colleagues who crowded round the Penguin pool to witness his transformation, a curious Penguin called JJ (pictured top) waddled straight over to Chris and watched her keeper’s close shave for charity. JJ was the first Penguin Chris helped to hand-rear when he joined the Park back in 2007 and she didn’t leave his side during the fundraiser. Following the shave, Chris’ beard and hair clippings will be used as bedding material for the Park’s many rodent species.
Bird Keeper Laura tackles Chris’ beard Photo credit: Philip Joyce
Chris Jarrett, Chris Green and Bird Keeper Laura. Photo credit Philip Joyce
Thanks to the generosity of visitors, friends and Cotswold Wildlife Park staff, Chris has so far raised £2,500 for the charity – beating his own target of £500 by 500%. He has vowed to keep his ‘halfsie’ for another week, in which time he hopes to raise even more funds for Prostate Cancer UK. His unusual look has sparked curiosity from visitors who enquire about his bizarre facial hair. After initial puzzlement, they have been quick to congratulate him on his fundraising efforts and many have donated generously after hearing his story. The donation page will remain open for the next few weeks. If you would like to support Chris, please click here.
Chris has been a Penguin Keeper at Cotswold Wildlife Park for eighteen years, during which time he has helped with numerous charity events. He dressed up in a Penguin costume for “Dreamnight At The Zoo” (photo below), a charity event for chronically ill and disabled children and their families who enjoyed the wildlife park after hours. Chris joined other members of staff at Cotswold Wildlife Park by volunteering his time to make the night one to remember. He also won the coveted title of Oxfordshire Cotswolds Tourism Superstar in 2014 and was shortlisted to the national finals in 2015.
Archive photo of Chris Green with Findley back in 2014 at the Park’s first “Dreamnight at the Zoo” event
About Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK has a simple ambition – to save and enrich the lives of men with prostate cancer.
- In 2023, it was the most common cancer in England, with more than 55,000 men getting diagnosed – that’s over 150 men every day.
- Around 510,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer.
- The charity supports people dealing with prostate cancer and provides health information.
- Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have symptoms. Go to www.prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker for their 30-second online Risk Checker to find out what you can do about it and learn about a free blood test you can get from your GP.
- Anyone with concerns about prostate cancer may contact Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or online via the Live Chat instant messaging service: www.prostatecanceruk.org. The Specialist Nurse phone service is free to landlines and open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 10am to 5pm on Wednesdays.