Local DJ organises Beards Against the Cancer event to raise funds for Christie

Home-grown DJ Gareth is best known for two things. His legendary hip-hop nights at Hula and his lengthy beard.

Now he’s combining the pulling power of both to attract other hairy-faced Mancunians to a ‘fund razor’ at Beat Street, Manchester’s coolest bar collective.

He’s hosting the event to raise vital funds for The Christie after a recent fire  caused millions of pounds worth of damage.

The event is being organised by Beards Against the Cancer, a group Gareth created after being treated for the disease a few years back at The Christie.

He got the idea for the group after he joked to a friend that he was going to grow his beard until he got rid of the tumour. A few friends agreed to do the same and they pulled together and organised a fundraising night where Gareth spin tunes alongside local DJ’s Elliot Eastwick, Bucky and Baggy.

They received support from celebs such as Michelle Keegan, Tina O’ Brien, Manchester band Elbow and Man City skipper Vincent Kompany, who all sported Beards Against the Cancer t-shirts designed by Gareth as part of the campaign.

Although Gareth’s tumour has now been removed and he is in remission, the spirit of the group is still growing strong with countless bearded people across the world getting behind the campaign by flaunting their facial fuzz on social media using the hashtag #BeardsAgainstTheCancer.

Two years later, Gareth is reviving the power of the bearded group to raise funds to pay for repairs to the fire ravaged hospital. For this second hair-raising gig, he’ll be using his contacts in the music world to curate a programme of renowned guest DJ’s to support him on the decks on the night.

“Christie’s has helped so many people over the years in times of need, and they now need some help back,” says Gareth.

“I am asking every Mancunian, bearded or not, to come and support this important fundraising event and in return. I’ll make sure it will be a party to remember.”

Gareth will be on hand selling limited edition Beards Against the Cancer t-shirts and mugs whilst Beat Street will donate £1 for every drink sold to The Christie.

Beat Street, 19th May, 5 pm- 2am.

www.beatstreetmcr.co.uk