If you’ve been living under a rock or in an Amazonian wonderland, you will have noticed a lot of gentlemen sporting moustaches in varying styles throughout November.
The now mandatory “Mo Bro” facial grooming statement during November is in aid of Movember, a testicular and prostate cancer awareness campaign that transforms thousands of British men into walking, talking billboards for the noble cause. Last year I fully got involved in Movember, shaved down and maintained a Moustache for a whole month. I started off looking an absolute mule but after week one I had “man-tache”, accentuated by the distinct lack of goatee beard I’m known for, and felt a real sense of comradery with all of the other men getting involved.
The sense of “ah, I look such a twat without my beard” wore off swiftly as you realise you’re highlighting serious issues and at the same having some fun, and raising money, Besides, stats about last year’s Movember prove I really didn’t standout that much, according to the numbers 1,127,152 men and women registered and took part in the campaign, across 21 countries around the world. Check out this infographic:
One of the best memories from last year’s Movember was the pop-up Barbershop campaign sponsor Gillette created off London’s Carnaby Street, that was open for the whole month. We went down there to interview Frank Turner and along with other Movember participants, we were treated to an incredible acoustic set.
I was dreading losing my beard and looking like a wannabe Tom Selleck…”
The shop was styled like a classic American Barbershop – it even made it smell like one – and Movember participants could get a shave for free. But Gillette didn’t just stop there, they also gave away shaving goodies and 650 of their employees put their money where their Mo’s are raising over £70,000 for Movember.
Last year, I was dreading losing my beard and looking like a wannabe Tom Selleck, but this year, I’m thoroughly looking forward to getting involved again.
For info, heDD here: movember.com.
You can watch some of the exclusive Frank Turner Movember Barbershop gig here:
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