• Throughout the past 20 years Movember has continued to grow
• Support Developer Harry Eastell is all fresh faced as he begins his Movember challenge
• Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide
• Movember allows you to have a bit of fun with your facial hair
• Movember has raised an astounding £873.9 million for men’s health
• Funds raised are devoted to men’s health projects helping men live happier, healthier, and longer lives

In November 2003 a movement started, a movement that would tackle three of the biggest health issues affecting men: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Kicking off in Melbourne, Australia with just 30 Mo Bros, the Movember challenge was born. Throughout the past 20 years Movember has continued to grow, gaining more Mo Bros and Mo Sisters, raising more awareness and most importantly more money to help fund crucial men’s health projects. Movember today has a headcount over 6 million, spans more than 20 countries and has funded over 1,250 men’s health projects, an incredible feat but in their words “we’re not done yet”.

Our very own Support Developer Harry Eastell is all fresh faced as he begins his Movember challenge. We sat down with him and asked him a few questions about the reasons why he was getting involved and the importance of this movement.

When did you start doing Movember and why?

Harry – Unofficially I have been signed up for 9 years, donating an amount to the charity each year. Officially I have taken part in Movember for 5 years now. I first signed up because my Great Grandad Henry (who I was named after) had Prostate Cancer towards the end of his life and died shortly after. I knew Movember did a lot of work raising money and awareness to help combat it and felt it would be a nice way to honour my Grandad. After signing up, I later found out that they also do the same work for mental health, suicide prevention and testicular cancer, all of these issues which I now hold very close to my heart and can’t overstate the importance of raising awareness/money for these.

What do you hope to achieve from doing it?

Harry – I think for the same 3 reasons most do. To raise awareness, to raise money and last but not least, to grow a silly moustache and have a bit of fun with it for the month!

How much have you raised over the 5 years of doing Movember?

Harry – Over the 5 years I have taken part properly, I have raised £1245 which is absolutely crazy to me. I would have been pleased to have raised £100 over that time let alone that amount, I feel so grateful to everyone who has donated and supported me over the years, it honestly means the world to me.

Why should people donate to your Movember challenge?

Harry – Because Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. The Movember Foundation is working to halve the number of deaths from prostate cancer by 2030, and I want to help them get there. It is so important to be aware of the impact of this horrible disease and to combat it in any way we can.

Have you done anything special to help try raise some more money?

Harry – Last year I set myself a rule where for every £5 over my original target I would keep the tash for an extra day. Naturally it was after New Year’s Day when that extended timeframe ended.. I think this year I might say for every £10 over!

What would you say to anyone who is considering doing Movember themselves?

Harry – Go for it, some people make the argument of “I can’t grow much facial hair” but to me that’s somehow even more funny. It’s a chance to have a bit of fun with your facial hair and have a laugh about the way you look. Plus, it’s not the most difficult thing to do to raise money and I do enjoy seeing people’s different styles and takes on their tash.

Where can we sign up or donate?

Harry – You can follow the link “https://uk.movember.com/mospace/11561637” to donate to my page or you can follow the link “https://uk.movember.com/register” to sign up yourself! There’s loads you can do to raise money yourself so definitely check the site out.

Over the last 20 years Movember has raised an unbelievable £873.9 million for men’s health. In 2022 £16.4 million was raised in the UK and 80.2% of all UK funds raised have been devoted to men’s health projects helping men live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

Movember continues to grow in popularity but most importantly in its awareness for men’s health. We’re so proud of Harry and all of those growing their tash for the movement, as Harry said have a bit of fun with your facial hair, in doing so you’re making a difference by raising awareness and crucial funds to help men live healthier, longer lives.

To donate to Harry’s Movember challenge please follow the link or scan the QR code here https://uk.movember.com/mospace/11561637

To find out more about Movember and their fantastic work follow the link here! Movember – Changing the face of men’s health – Movember