This month is Movember and we’re looking back at the campaign that centres on facial hair.


It is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during November to raise awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.

Dave Wardrope's competition winning pictureDave Wardrope's competition winning picture (Image: submitted)
Run by the Movember Foundation, at movember.com, its goal is to ‘change the face of men’s health’.
By encouraging men (whom the charity refers to as ‘Mo Bro’) to get involved, Movember aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.

Derek Cannon and Trevor Longley grew moustaches for MovemberDerek Cannon and Trevor Longley grew moustaches for Movember (Image: submitted)
Along with having annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation urges them to be aware of any family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Doctors and staff at Brampton Medical Practice took a month off shaving for MovemberDoctors and staff at Brampton Medical Practice took a month off shaving for Movember (Image: Newsquest)
Using a moustache as its symbol, Movember focuses on the three key areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention.
Since its inception, the Movember Foundation has raised $837 million and funded more than 1,200 projects in more than 20 countries, running events in Australia and New Zealand since 2004.

Stagecoach drivers took part in Movember to raise awarensss of prostate and testicular cancer and mental health issuesStagecoach drivers took part in Movember to raise awarensss of prostate and testicular cancer and mental health issues (Image: Newsquest)
In 2007, events were launched in Ireland, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Spain, the United Kingdom, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States. As of 2011, Canadians were the largest contributors to the Movember charities of any nation.

Movember supporters Graham Weatherstone, Kenneth Pool, Peter Forsyth, Neil Stewart and Bill Wilson sporting moustachesMovember supporters Graham Weatherstone, Kenneth Pool, Peter Forsyth, Neil Stewart and Bill Wilson sporting moustaches (Image: submitted)

In 2010, Movember merged with the testicular cancer event Tacheback.

Barman Steven Fleming had his leg waxed for Movember at The Britannia in BarrowBarman Steven Fleming had his leg waxed for Movember at The Britannia in Barrow (Image: Newsquest)
In 2012, the Global Journal listed Movember as one of the world’s top 100 Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).

Movember at West lakes Academy, with staff member Anita Clements sporting the best moustacheMovember at West lakes Academy, with staff member Anita Clements sporting the best moustache (Image: Newsquest)
As our pictures show, Cumbrians of all ages – including a woman and two schoolboys – have sported moustaches in support of the campaign.

Owen Durham and Cameron Hendren got their heads shaved for Cancer Research and used their hair for a Movember momentOwen Durham and Cameron Hendren got their heads shaved for Cancer Research and used their hair for a Movember moment (Image: Newsquest)
In 2015, Dave Wardrope, 35, from Harraby, even had his face featured on bottles of HP brown sauce after winning a Movember social media competition.