Movember for Men's Health

Whether it is bushy or straggly, brown, blonde, ginger or grey, no matter what kind of moustache you can grow, taking part in the Movember challenge helps raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

This year, twelve of our Sixth Formers and staff undertook the annual challenge to grow the hair on their top lip; at the beginning of November our candidates shaved clean and for the rest of the month they could only grow and maintain their moustaches to make them as thick and stylish as possible.

The Movember charity has come a long way since starting in 2003, when two Australians had the idea to start the movement and ‘bring back the Mo’. They got 30 people to take part, although didn’t raise any money; now over 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas take part in the movement each year and last year an amazing £57.6 million was raised. The foundation states that "By 2030 , we aim to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%." 

Just over £300 was raised by the Shiplake College participants, which will be donated to a men's health charity, although which one is yet to be confirmed. Eight of the twelve managed to fully complete the challenge!

I Beasley in Year 13 comments on his experience: "It’s always tough hearing stories about people suffering from cancer or mental health. This was the main reason why I wanted to take part in Movember this year. I wanted to show my support through the growth of my moustache. It was a great conversation starter to help raise awareness of the movement and get donations to this great cause."

Mr Shaw adds: "Having a moustache felt like a premonition, a glimpse at my future face. It blended seamlessly well with my wardrobe, if it did make me look a little severe. It did make me consider what might have been from a career in the military, but there you are, I gather there's more to it than uniforms and facial hair. I will miss the warmth, the wax and the routine, but I'll get these back with the beard. I will not however, miss wondering why people are double taking at me, before catching my own reflection."

If you would like more information on the Movember foundation or need help with something you may be going through, visit their website for more information. 

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