Boys launch Movember campaign to highlight importance of men’s health

A dozen of the School’s Upper Sixth students will be growing moustaches throughout this month as they lend their support to the national Movember campaign.

The Movember charity is aiming to ‘change the face of men’s health’ by raising awareness of, and funding research into, areas including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and overall mental and physical health and wellbeing.

In the last 20 years, Movember has backed more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world.

The boys’ primary goal is to do their part to increase awareness of these subjects, as well as collecting funds for the charity through a JustGiving page that they have set up.

Each of the 12 participants will deliver regular talks to the rest of the School, with information about Movember and the purpose behind it. They will also be introducing a conversation topic during lunch each week for all boys to consider.

Charlie Thompson (HS5) and Chris Sneddon (OH5), Deputy Heads of School, are leading the month-long campaign. “We are very pleased to be supporting Movember once more and highlighting the vital importance of men’s health,” Charlie said.

“We want to remind boys that when they see our comical efforts at facial hair growth, this is not half as silly as not going to the doctor when we notice something strange, not telling a friend to do likewise and not opening up to people if we’re worried, a bit down or just in need of a chat to share some feelings.

“At Tonbridge, we want men to live happier, healthier and longer lives, and our hope is that our campaign will play its part in supporting the Movember charity’s outstanding work.”

The Upper Sixth students taking part, each representing one of the School’s 12 Houses, are Jack, Nick, Tom, Ollie, Ben, Hugh, Alex, Nay, Philip, Ewan, Jacob and Max.

We’ll be following their progress, in terms of money raised and facial hair grown, on the School’s social media pages, especially Facebook, as the campaign continues.

Last year more than £5,500 was raised by the School during Movember.

Pictured above: The Sixth Formers taking part.