Movember raises awareness of men suffering from male cancers.
South Londoners are getting involved in Movember, with the month long campaign to encourage awareness of men’s health issues starting today.
It’s time for Mo Bro’s to shave their facial hair and grow a moustache to raise awareness of men suffering from mental illness and male cancers.
The initiative aims to create funds for men’s health programmes and encourage conversations that lead to a greater understanding of male health risks including prostate and testicular cancers.
Sergeant Steve Burke for Mitcham’s Metropolitan police is joining in the cause.
“I’m going to go for a Merv Hughes or Hulk Hogan look! I’ll probably end up with a scouser tache out of Harry Enfield!!” he said.
“It’s a bit of fun but it is also a great way to raise awareness. All too often men just ignore little symptoms that could be the beginning of something more serious.”
Prostate and testicular cancer are the two most common cancers in men yet the level of understanding and support for both cancers lags behind that of women’s health causes.
According to MovemberUK men also face a unique set of challenges when it comes to managing their mental well being.
Suicide rates show that British men are three times more likely to die by suicide than British women.
The association between mental illness and weakness carries a stigma that discoruages men from seeking help or taking action regarding mental health problems.
South London’s residents are also joining the campaign to increase support and awareness.
A 22-year-old student, Josh Lee, from Croydon said: “I would go for the El Bandito, the one with the curly bits at the side, but realistically I’m probably just going to end up with patchy bum fluff!.”
And Ugo Mukawe, 35, a paralegal living in Wimbledon, said: “I’m going to try grow an Anchorman style handlebar moustache, I’ve grown one for the last five years and this year will be no exception.”
Women can also get involved by sporting fake moustaches or offering their support.
A spokesman for MovemberUK said these inspirational women are committed to raising awareness of men’s health issues and much needed funds.
“Whilst a Mo Bro may grow, it is the Mo Sista that is often the driving force,” he said.
“A kind word of encouragement, a wink or a smile of recognition can go a long way to helping a Mo Bro as he navigates the month of Movember”.
Several members of affiliated amateur football club Wimbledon Town FC will also be taking part in Movember to help raise awareness for men’s health.
Player-manager Peter Barnett has already set the ball rolling by joining the campaign for a second time.
He said: “This is my second year doing Movember but I’m more excited this time around. Our club are great at getting behind charities, and I hope the lads embrace this as much as I will be!”
You can visit http://uk.movember.com/team/1064861 to make a donation to Wimbledon Town FC’s Movember team or https://www.movember.com/uk/register/ to sign up as a Movember participant.
Photo courtesy of qthrul, with thanks.
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