Friends of a Douglas man who’s recovering from aggressive bladder cancer shaved their beards in support of sufferers.

The cool autumnal air was even chillier for Gary O’Brien, Graham Kennaugh and Peter Luft who had their faces and heads clean shaven to raise funds for Hospice Isle of Man and Fight Bladder Cancer.

The fundraising event at The Union, Castletown, came after Mr Luft announced he was given the all-clear just two weeks before the clippers came out.

’It was unbelievable [getting the "all-clear"] and a relief,’ Mr Luft said. ’My wife was with me and it’s even worse for them. The people around you are affected more I’ve found.’

Mr Luft was diagnosed with grade three aggressive bladder cancer at Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral, in September 2018. Just two days before his 58th birthday.

He was treated at Noble’s Hospital, including chemotherapy. After two months off for his body to recover, he underwent surgery at Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral. There he had a radical cystectomy and ileal conduit as part of a nine hour operation.

Three months later it was decided he would have a urethrectomy to lessen chances of the cancer returning. Within the following 12 months he did 11 return trips to the UK.

’It’s been pretty tough, that’s why we’re fundraising,’ he said.

Research found by Fight Bladder Cancer shows that bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the western world with 18,000 people being diagnosed with it each year in England alone.

Mr Luft believes more can be done to highlight the illness and has chosen to support Fight Bladder Cancer as it is underfunded.

He added that he only started finding out about bladder cancer once he was diagnosed with it. ’I’ve been able to see what goes on in [sufferer’s and their families’] lives and it’s not nice,’ he said. ’The more we can raise, the better it’ll be.’

To donate, search: giving.fightbladdercancer.co.uk/pf/peterandfriends