A barbershop in South Norwood is raising cancer awareness amongst customers, while also raising money for cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support. And Chelsea’s first-ever black player, Paul Canoville (58), is lending his support to the community-focussed campaign.
Yianni Hapeshis (30), owner of Barber Jack & Son (15 Portland Road), is running a raffle, with the chance of winning the Barber Jack & Son ‘Deluxe Package’ – a VIP-worthy haircut, beard trim and facial treatment. The prize has a value of £40. And tickets to enter the draw are just £1. All funds raised will go to help Macmillan’s work supporting people with cancer.
The barber hopes that by fundraising for Macmillan, it will in turn encourage his clientele to be more cancer aware and to seek Macmillan’s help should they need it.
Yian explained why he was inspired to both fundraise for Macmillan and promote the support that the cancer charity can provide:
“I, like many people, have had loved ones who’ve been impacted by this horrible disease, so I want to raise awareness of cancer and the support available from Macmillan. I feel like the least I can do is help in any way that I can and help get awareness out there. I feel like it’s important in life that we celebrate positivity and help spread love and support.
“I recently had the privilege of interviewing Chelsea legend Paul Canoville about his cancer experience and speaking with him really gave me an insight as to how much Macmillan does and how much they really help.
“It was a real pleasure speaking to Paul, not only because of who he is and what he’s done in football, but it was really refreshing to hear a man open-up about what he went through and encouraging people to go get checked if something doesn’t feel right. He’s a real interesting man. A strong, strong man.”
Paul Canoville, former Chelsea player and cancer patient, said:
“I take my hat off to Yian. For a young man, his community spirit is inspirational. This is why I felt compelled to support his efforts to create awareness of Macmillan’s work.
“I’ve been both affected by cancer and impacted by Macmillan, and after having beaten cancer three times, I know first-hand how vital the work of Macmillan is in the saving of lives and provision of hope.
“I would like to thank Yian for inspiring me. As a result of being involved in his fundraiser, I have decided to create a virtual support group for Afro-Caribbean men that are living with cancer – to help encourage others and help reduce the taboo of cancer within the black community.”
Paul was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1996. His cancer has been in remission since 2005. Paul Canoville’s autobiography: ‘Black and Blue: How Racism, Drugs and Cancer Almost Destroyed Me’ has won numerous literary awards.
A video of Yian’s interview with Paul Canoville will be soon be available on Yian’s Instagram feeds: @yianthebarber and @barberjackandson.
Civic-spirited Yian is also helping to raise the profile of local street artists, by featuring large-scale graffiti murals on his premises’ exterior wall – the latest being a Macmillan-inspired piece by Dave Bonzai (@davebonzai). Yian hopes the bold artwork will raise awareness of Macmillan Cancer Support within the community and encourage more people to reach out to Macmillan, if they or a loved one has cancer.
Barber Jack & Son
Yian added:
“With the mural outside I just felt that I wanted to raise awareness to the maximum, and as its located at such a key spot, it was a no brainer. It’s honestly been such a pleasure to do and the response has been brilliant.”
