November is upon us and as well as the month marking the sign of colder times it also marks the start of a long-standing event that is now in its 19th year.
Movember was birthed in Melbourne, Australia by Travis Garone and Luke Slattery over a beer as they managed to get 30 people involved.
Fast forward 19 years and over six million ‘mo bros and sisters’ take part.
But what is Movember? It’s simply the act of growing the best moustache you can in the month to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
A great idea to raise money for a burning problem that affects so many people not only in the U.K, but across the globe.
Just shy of seven million people took part last year, many of those close to home particularly within the University of Gloucestershire and their societies.
And these societies and clubs are taking part again this year to show their solidarity and backing of the charity.
UOG Men’s Rugby is one of those and have once again set out on a mission to raise money for the charity.
Club Captain Sam Rhymes said: “It’s been quite a longstanding club tradition for us, the boys have done it for the last 10 or so years.
“Mental health is a big thing we try and get behind during Movember and raising some money by growing a bit of facial hair is something we fully get behind.”
UOG Men’s Football is another of the clubs who are helping make a difference and vice-captain Todd Gilronan spoke on the importance of the charity and the club’s experience taking on the challenge.
Gilronan commented: “It means a great deal to the club. It’s been important to get everyone involved to raise awareness for a great cause.
“It was a bit quiet at the start but now it’s been a couple of days the boys have seen everyone getting involved and we’ve got really good participation from the club.”
Movember has become a worldwide trend in the recent years and has had a massive uptake from sports clubs both amateur and professional.
If you want to play your part by growing a moustache or even by donating money to the charity the links to the Movember website and the UOG Clubs donation links are above.
