
As we approach the halfway point of the Movember campaign, the University of Gloucestershire Men’s Rugby Union team (UGRFC) have all been taking part, growing their tash’s and doing their bit for the great cause.
Club Captain, Sam Rhymes, discussed the importance of the charity. “Movember is a brilliant long-standing tradition that raises money for such a valuable cause in men’s mental health awareness and suicide prevention.”
Rhymes continued: “Growing a mo and raising some money during November is the least we can do, as well as make everyone at the club feel comfortable enough to reach out when they aren’t feeling their best, and know the support is there whenever the lads need it.”

Movember are a charity that raise awareness for men’s mental health and other challenges that men struggle with. Every year, the UGRFC squad raise and grow as much as they can to help the funds for the charity, specifically for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention.
Callum Warren opened up about what the charity means to him.
“Sadly two of my uncles took their lives due to neglecting their own mental health, so Movember and it’s meaning, hits close to home,” continued Warren. “My step-dad has been doing the campaign for at least five years, so to able to join him and so many others, to try and help people like my Uncles means a lot.”
The Uog Men’s Rugby Union team partake in many charity events, the main one being Tash Bash where they raised a total of £1,193.

Harry Felwick, UGRFC first team second row, showed us his progress and what the impact of a charity like Movember have.
“It means a lot to me, as it puts a spotlight on men’s mental health,” he then said. “And highlights the point that we lose far to many brothers, fathers and uncles who suffer in silence.”

Louis Monks, known as Chimpo within the team, explained “Movember is such a great charity to get behind. The work they do to help with mental health is so important. It’s great to see so many boys behind this and raise some money.”
However large or little you raise or grow, the real matter is sparking conversation about men’s mental health. Rugby is a fantastic tool used by many to open up. We’ve seen athletes like Joe Marler who are advocates for this side of the game.
Recently, Marler starred in ‘Big Boys Don’t Cry’ which was a moving and eye opening documentary on his personal experiences with depression and how he is moving forward with it.
So far UGRFC have raised an impressive £520 with plenty of time to continue raising funds before the end of the month.
It’s not too late to donate either, by visiting this link below, you can make a difference.