Movember - are you man enough?

It’s Movember of course – the annual facial hair-growing contest in aid of men’s health charities.

Not strictly a contest, but with men and their moustaches involved, it’s bound to get competitive.

Some of the Luton and Dunstable chaps stepping up to the challenge are Bedfordshire Police (pictured), Luton Indoor Market traders, The Zest Group in Silsoe and Luton Town Football Club striker Stuart Fleetwood.

About 75 Beds Police officers and staff are taking part, to support serving PC Nathan Peters, 27, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer earlier this year.

Nathan said: “Finding out that you have cancer is quite possibly the scariest thing in the world but I have been completely overwhelmed by all of the support that I have received from my colleagues.

“Movember is a great cause and it is so important that people are educated about men’s health issues and how to identify cancer.

“In my case I suffered a terrible pain back in April and this prompted me to get it checked out.

“The doctor confirmed it was cancer and my treatment began soon afterwards. It sounds strange but I am so thankful for that pain.”

Leon Emirali and Steven Hancock from The Zest Group will also be growing a ‘Mo’.

Steven said: “Movember is great fun but it’s also really important in its efforts to raise awareness and cash for really worthwhile men’s health charities. The challenge is on for who can grow the bushiest moustache and raise the most money!”

Luton Indoor Market manager Steve Cook, regional manager Dave Gibbs, and Mick Chapman, owner of Hairthingys, will be taking part in Movember.

Dave said: “Men’s health is a cause I am passionate about but in order to make a difference I need your help. My commitment is to grow a moustache for the month of November and in doing so, raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health including prostate and testicular cancer.”

This year 40,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the UK, and one in nine men will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime.

The rules of Movember are that each ‘Mo Bro’ must start Movember 1 with a clean shaven face, and for the entire month they must grow and groom a moustache.

To register or sponsor the Mo Bros featured here, visit uk.movember.com.