Women go through it all the time — ask a man about getting tiny hairs ripped out from the follicles with a sticky hot wax and there’s a good chance he’ll race for a razor.Despite that, 18 men have decided to wax their backs, chests, legs and arms as a fundraiser for cancer charity Melange.Police officer Eddie Smith was asked three weeks ago by a long-time friend, and didn’t hesitate to get on board.“I said yes because she asked. I mean, breast cancer, any cancer, any sickness is difficult to deal with — and expensive,” he said.“All I’m doing is getting a few hairs removed. Nothing, I’m sure, compared to what sufferers of breast cancer go through.”He was further spurred on by watching some good friends take part in last week’s St Baldrick's head shaving event and said the energy that filled the Bermuda Athletics Association was “amazing”.Though Mr Smith is trying to block out the pending pain, he is hopeful his support will benefit the small charity in some way.He has raised close to $300 for the waxing fundraiser, and is expecting his participation will help raise awareness of the plight of those living with breast cancer.He encouraged other men to take part, but said so far finding more willing male participants has proven a challenge.“Partly because most guys see waxing as something for the ladies to do and partly because it’s rather uncomfortable asking another guy to come get waxed with me.“I mean, seriously, how does one break the ice on that topic?“But if I had to reach out to the men of Bermuda and encourage them to support this event by getting waxed, I would simply say, ‘What if this were the woman you loved? Your mother, sister, daughter or wife? What would you give to see their pain go away?’”The pain won’t compare with what women with breast cancer experience, it’s simply a fun way to show solidarity, Melange president Renee Carter said.“Every time we host an event we try and think of something creative so it’s not another of those fundraisers; we want to make it entertaining, while encouraging people to give so we came up with the idea for the waxing event.“And we also try to embrace men because they are some of our main supporters when we go through these battles with breast cancer, so we try and include them as much as possible.”Sponsor salon Bersalon sent out an e-mail about the April 17 event to its 8,000 contacts. Mrs Carter is hoping more men sign up. Other sponsors include BGA and Burrows Lightbourn Ltd a cash bar will be on hand to help the men with their nerves.Garth Lorimer-Turner was asked to participate by breast cancer survivor Gina Anderson, a founding member of Melange.Mr Lorimer-Turner said: “Whilst almost bald, I don't seem to have problems growing hair on other parts of my body and whilst not 'rug like' in the chest department, I am rather attached to what I have.“I've participated in Movember before and sense that to have been an easier and altogether less painful way to support good causes, but I'm really happy to help in any way I can.”Although glad he doesn’t have to undergo a full body wax, he said he was nervous about offering up his chest and tummy.“Am I worried? Yes, in a word. I'm not great at taking band-aids off, so hope I don't squeal too much,” he added.He says he’s been taken back by the “complete lack of sympathy” his female friends have shown about his upcoming ‘ordeal’. His wife, however, has shown her approval.“I'm sure there are hairier men than me out there and would encourage their participation,” he said.“I think this is a unique way in which to recognise the need for help for Bermuda cancer sufferers and to hopefully make a positive difference for people less fortunate with their health than me.”Waxing for a Cause takes place at Bersalon on Front Street on April 17 between 5.30pm and 8.30pm. People who donated are encouraged to come out and cheer their favourite men on. Most waxings will take place behind closed doors however there will be photographers to get the before and after pictures.Melange will donate all proceeds of the event to LCCA and PALS; to donate visit www.ptix.bm or www.melange.bm.