Movember

This November, the Movember Foundation has returned with its annual fundraiser challenging men across the UK to grow a moustache to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues.

Now in its 11th year in the UK, millions of men around the world are embracing their handlebars, wisps and everything in-between. Whether flying the flag solo, joining up with friends, work colleagues, sports clubs, schools or universities, growing a moustache is the homegrown version of wearing a ribbon.

Over Five Million Supporters

To date, through the moustaches grown, connections created, and conversations generated, the Movember Foundation has proudly welcomed over five million supporters and helped fund 1,200 innovative men’s health projects across twenty countries. But there is still much work to be done.

In the UK, the stats are shocking – one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and there are more 333,000 living with the disease. Twelve men a day take their own life, and three out of four suicides are by men.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men and although in most cases the outcome for men with testicular cancer is positive, a 95% chance of survival is no comfort to the one man in twenty who won’t make it.

Men who are joining in with Movember are helping to raise funds which will be invested in four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Tips for Growing a Mo

• Be prepared: Choose the moustache that will grace your face.
• Be brave: The first few days, even weeks, can be uncomfortable as your Mo takes shape. Ride it out to encourage donations.
• Ignore the itching: Remind yourself that men have endured worse in the past. You can withstand a little face tickle.
• Shape your moustache: A great Mo comes down to great grooming. Get advice from a professional to make sure you look mo-tastic.
• Nuture it and keep it clean: Look after your Mo and it will look after you!

Move or Host a Mo-ment

Those who are follicly challenged can still take part by choosing to ‘Move’ or ‘Host a Mo-ment’ to support the charity this year.

You don’t have to be an ultra-athlete or own the latest kicks. Move is simpler than that, just run or walk 60 kilometres over the month of November. That’s 60 kilometres for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour.

Or, Host a Mo-ment – raise the roof with a get-together and raise much-needed funds for men’s health. Cook up a fancy dinner. Tee up a sports match. Pump the tunes at a party. Or set up a Shave Down – a group shave-off of facial hair to get the month started.

It’s the easiest way to start a conversation about men’s health.

Morgan Hodges

If you are taking part in Movember, you may need some help keeping that Mo in check. If so, head to Morgan Hodges Man in The Pantiles. Their expert team of stylists and barbers can ensure your face furniture looks in tip top condition all month – and beyond. Find out more:

For more information about Movember.