Last month our Site Manager, Ben Simmonds, took part in the Movember challenge to help raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues. Here Ben tells us about why he got involved and how his colleagues reacted to his new handlebar moustache!
What inspired you to get involved with Movember?
I feel there is a real issue with men’s health and I wanted to try and do my bit to help raise awareness. I just wanted to try and raise some money and start some conversations about men’s health when people ask about the ‘tash. One statistic which I found a real eye opener is that across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, and males account for 75% of all suicides. Further to this, prostate cancer rates will double over the next 15 years and testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged 15 – 39.
How have you found the challenge?
I have really enjoyed the challenge. In the space of 6 weeks, I have gone from a full beard to a handle bar moustache to clean shaven! The best thing has been friends, colleagues and the wife’s reaction to the ‘tash. The most difficult thing I have found about having a ‘tash is blowing your nose – I will say no more on that one!
So how did your friends, loved ones and colleagues react?
For the most part? With uncontrollable laughter. My wife was shocked at how good I looked with it… no, that’s a lie – she hated it! When I told her I was going to take part, she said, ‘whatever you do, please don’t have a handle bar moustache!’. This obviously helped me decide on the handlebar being the ‘tash of choice.
How much have you raised so far?
I was initially aiming to raise £100 and I ended up raising £280, which I am more than chuffed with. Thank you to all my colleagues who took the time to donate. For those who haven’t, don’t worry – there is still time to donate as the page is still active!
Will you be keeping your ‘tash?
With regret, no. The ‘tash went on the 1st December. I am hoping next year to get others involved from Ring Stones so we can do a joint company fund raising page. More tash’s = more discussions around men’s health!
If you’d like you make a donation to Ben’s fundraiser, you can do so here: http://mvmbr.co/36SWuzQ
