Warwick Clubs Raise Thousands for Movember

A total of £5,949 has been raised by Warwick sports clubs and societies this November in a famous charity event called ‘Movember’.

Movember is an annual month-long challenge where participants are sponsored to grow a moustache to support men’s health.

A total of seven clubs and societies came together to raise this year’s total.

Men’s Cricket was the highest earner, raising £2,234 between 25 members.

Men’s Hockey, Men’s Rugby, Matchday Society, Rugby League, Rowing and RAG also contributed.

The president of Warwick SU, Isaac Leigh, said: “Huge congratulations to the sports clubs and societies involved – it is brilliant to see such commitment to the Movember cause.”

The highest individual total was £370, raised by second year Philosophy student Henry Bexson. He said he “would repeat in an instant if I thought I could raise even half as much.”

He maintained that the experience was a good one, “besides looking like a slightly sleazy bloke for the last couple of weeks.”

The Movember Foundation has in recent years increased its emphasis on mental health as well as physical health.

This reflects a recent shift towards greater mental health awareness on campus.

Mental health charity Mind was at the centre of this year’s RAG week at Warwick, which raised over £1,500 in week 8.

The SU also ran the ‘It’s OK’ campaign this term, focussing on helping students who struggle with the transition to university life.

Leigh added: “We are working really hard at the SU to open up dialogue about mental health, because its importance cannot be underestimated – and it was great to see this in action.”

The Movember Foundation “invests strategically” in four key areas of men’s health, according to its website. These are prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and physical inactivity.

Founded in 2003, Movember has raised over £402 million for men’s health worldwide. Its stated goal is for men to live healthier, happier and longer lives.