The Datebook datebook_winter_spring2019_digital_ARTWORK | Page 17

Movember UK Makes November All About Men’s Health were lost to Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer and Suicide in the UK alone. In honour of all those lost, UK Mo Bros rocked the Half Mast Mo. London’s River Buses grew their own Mo’s. testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Mo’s about London town at Tower Bridge. T he month formally known as November has been given a charitable revamp by the Movember Foundation. Movember, inspired by a combination of “mo” for moustache and the word November, is a month-long fundraising event with one goal: to change the face of men’s health. Founded in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia by Adam Garone, Travis Garone, Luke Slattery, and Justin Coghlan, the Movember Foundation has since become a leading global organisation. The charity is determined to address some of the biggest health issues faced by men: prostate cancer, Innovative research undertaken by the Movember Foundation has both a global and local impact. The charity receives no government funding, meaning it can challenge the status quo and invest in what works .... and fast. Love Island’s Chris Hughes helped to put testicular cancer on the agenda in November. He took part in a huge act of Mo Bravery, undergoing a testicular cancer examination on live TV, to dispel common myths about the procedure. The River Buses of London got involved in raising awareness too, growing their own Mo’s for the cause. Borough Market and million for men’s health. Last year, in the UK alone £8 million was raised. It’s still too early to tell how much has been raised in 2018 but we bet this figure will definitely rise. Donations are crucial, as they allow the Over the past 15 years, the Movember Foundation has funded more than 1,200 men’s health projects around the world. By 2030, the charity plans to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25%. This year, Movember UK has been behind some great work pushing boundaries and getting conversations about men’s health started. During November alone, 1,280 men the Tower of London also got in on the act, with light up Mo’s on display throughout the month. Moustaches could even be seen taking to the skies after an official debut at the Royal Albert Hall. You might have caught a glimpse of them soaring over Battersea Power Station! This year, the Movember Foundation made fundraising quicker and easier than before, giving UK Mo Bros and Sistas the opportunity to collect ‘No Fuss’ donations. Contactless technology allowed sponsors to simply tap their phones on fundraising badges to donate. Grow a Mo; Save a Bro! Visit The London & UK DatebooK on www.thedatebook.co.uk Over the last 15 years, Movember has raised £540 charity to raise awareness, invest in vital men’s health initiatives and run Movember each year. The Movember Foundation wants to help men live happier, healthier and longer lives. It’s only by investing in critical areas like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, that this important charity can really make a difference. To find out more about Movember’s work in the UK Visit: uk.movember.com E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 020 7952 2060 THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK 15