Movember: what it is, how it started and how to get involved

An annual craze that sees moustaches make a comeback, and raises vital funds for men's health charities – we find out more about Movember

prostate cancer awareness

by Stephanie Spencer |
Updated on

Every November, men from around the world are asked to ditch their razor, in favour of growing a moustache for Movember and fundraising for charities at the forefront of men's mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

But how did this all start, and how can we get involved?

What is Movember?

Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men's health.

From humble beginnings in Australia in 2003, the Movember movement has grown to be a truly global one, with over 6 million people getting involved, funding over 1,250 men’s health projects.

While it started as a bit of fun, the movement now raises vital funds for men's health charities, promoting discussing men's health, and aiming to help men live longer, healthier lives (both mentally and physically).

In 2019, in the UK alone, £12.8 million was raised for Movember.

Movember
©Getty

The history of Movember

It all started in 2003, two friends – Travis Garone and Luke Slattery – met up in Melbourne, Australia and got chatting about how no one grows moustaches anymore. They decided to set their friends a challenge and the first Movember was born.

The following year Adam Garone and Justin Coghlan came on board, helping to set up a website so that those from further afield could easily register. They also decided to raise awareness for cancer charities, donating the funds to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).

In 2006 the Movember foundation launched in New Zealand, jumping across the pond the following year with sign ups in the USA, UK and parts of Europe.

Today, Movember participants can be found in 20 countries, from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, to Switzerland, UK and USA.

Movember raises funds for numerous charities combating male health issues, such as cancer and mental health.

How to get involved in Movember

Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends are facing a health crisis, yet it’s rarely talked about. So just how can we all get involved in supporting Movember?

Well, nowadays it's not only about growing facial hair.

You can donate to the cause throughout the year, not just in November.

You can also raise money for Movember by running or walking 60km over the month, at your own pace. It's set at 60km for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world.

The movement also offers you the option to create your own challenge – which can be anything.

Of course you can also encourage the man in your life, or your male friends and family to join in. And if you know someone who is doing the challenge, a great idea to help spur them on (or indeed as a Christmas gift, if they decide they like sporting a 'tash) is a facial hair maintenance kit, such as these:

Just so you know, whilst we may receive commission for purchases made through our links, we never allow this to influence product selections.

Whether he is new to grooming or more advanced, this grooming set provides the beardsman with essential items such as a Beard Conditioning Oil and Beard Styling Balm. Contains Natural Ingredients such as Almond Oil, Shea Butter & Beeswax.

A delightfully mandarin and cedarwood scented wax with a firm, yet reworkable hold that lasts. A handy, eco-friendly push up tube makes the wax stick ideal for on-the-go grooming.

Read more popular articles

Breast Cancer Awareness | Getting to know your breasts

The best blood pressure watches

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us