THROUGHOUT December, men – and women – will be boldly growing or wearing a beard in aid of Julia’s House, Dorset’s children’s hospice.

From December 1 until Christmas Day, men will be abandoning their razors, sporting the natural look and being sponsored for the pleasure. Last year’s campaign made more than £8,000 for Julia’s House and the Growcember organisers are hoping to raise even more in 2014.

Beard growers are encouraged to share photos of their progress from stubble to bristle to a full face of fuzz on the campaign’s Facebook page.

Caroline Attreed, corporate fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “This is a really simple and fun way to raise money for Julia’s House.

“There is something for everyone: growing a beard, nominating someone else to grow a beard, wearing a fake beard, even children can join in and draw on their own beards!

“Texting BEARD 70500 is a great way to show your support for Julia’s House families this Christmas.”

There is a fundraising pack available for those wanting to get growing, featuring clever ways to fundraise and make the most of the humble beard.

It includes a beard opt-out scheme where the fundraiser can set a buy-out clause if the facial fuzz isn’t going down well with loved ones.

There is also a beard sweepstake and a downloadable totaliser to keep track of funds.

Fundraising packs are available from the campaign’s Facebook page ‘Growcember with Julia’s House’. To donate £5, text BEARD to 70500.