Men around the world will this month be sporting moustaches in a bid to raise awareness for men’s health.
Movember (a portmanteau of the words moustache and November) as it is known worldwide, is an annual month long event that adds a light hearted slant onto otherwise serious causes.
To take part, men must start Movember clean shaven and then commit to the growing of the moustache for the full 30 days. The moustache then symbolises the ribbon that women wear for breast cancer. The charity was formed to raise awareness about the cancers that affect men.
The idea for Movember originated in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia with the charity being set up the following year. In the charity’s first year 432 Mo Brosjoined in an effort that raised $55,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
Since then the Movember moustache has grown year on year, expanding to the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Spain, South Africa, The Netherlands and Finland. Last year the global participation of 255,755 Mo Bros and Sistas helped Movember’s global beneficiary partners to £26 Million in donations.
Students in Lancaster are noticeably taking part. Amongst the rather hairy population on campus, Jack Davidson of Fylde College said “it’s a great way for men of any age to actively support such an important cause whilst having a laugh.”
There are numerous Facebook groups to be joined in recognition of the growing of moustaches for Movember, as well as the main site Movember.com. Users can register there and pledge any donations to charities of their choice.
