Mo Money, Mo Problem: Movember is Back

What's going on in St Andrews this Movember?

A hangover is not the only thing on the agenda on 1 November. The end of ‘Hallow-week’ marks the start of Movember — a month dedicated to raising money and awareness for all things surrounding men’s health.

Growing (or attempting to grow) a moustache is the primary feature of the month for many men, in a stunt to spread awareness for male health issues such as testicular and prostate cancer, and organisations that tackle mental health and suicide prevention.

‘Mo-ing’ is not the only way of spreading awareness for such an important issue; many take on fitness challenges throughout the month to fundraise for the campaign. From participating in daily runs or sponsored walks to braving the Baltic temperatures of the North Sea on Castle Sands, students across St Andrews engage in all kinds of fundraising activities throughout the month.

Last year, across university-affiliated sports clubs and independent fundraisers, the St Andrews Movember campaign raised a staggering £40,148, with all proceeds going directly to men’s health projects and charities. This year, the committee is aiming even higher with a target of £45,000.

University-affiliated sports clubs organise events and competitions to help raise money. The football club co-presidents have participated in daily cold plunges for the past two Novembers, and an annual seven-aside tournament is run by the hockey club.

Over the past years, many other clubs, including tennis, golf, snow sports, cricket, cross-country, and rugby, have run a wide range of fundraisers, from bake sales and 24-hour sport-a-thons to touch tournaments. There’s something for everyone!

Keep your eyes peeled for this year’s events run by the Movember committee. Key dates include a return of the annual 24-hour relay, where participants run or walk a five-kilometre route over an allocated half-hour slot from noon to noon.

Notably, also, on 15 November, the 601 will be transformed into a mini Ally Pally with the annual ‘Mo-Darts’ taking place. A highlight of the Movember calendar, competitors will dress in costume for an action-packed night. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to take part in these events to raise awareness for a good cause.

Committee president, Paddy McLaughlin, is full of praise for the work of his committee and the events that will run over the Movember campaign. “It’s a great way to bring the student body together to raise money for a pressing issue that isn’t spoken about enough.”

The fun spirit of many of the events reflects the main ideal of Movember, humorously breaking the stigma surrounding an often-overlooked issue: “Making it a comfortable environment encourages people to speak up.”

Sport challenges throughout the month are accessible to everyone and everyone, from throwing a frisbee on West Sands to sponsored climbs at the sports centre. The ‘Mo-bros’ are calling on you to put down your razor and put on your trainers this month!

Image from Wikimedia Commons