School’s Movember campaign raises £9,000 and places men’s health in the spotlight

Students and staff at Tonbridge have raised more than £9,000 for the Movember charity.

A dozen Upper Sixth students, as well as the School’s team of porters, grew moustaches and facial hair throughout the month as they lent their support to the national campaign.

Movember aims to ‘change the face of men’s health’ by raising awareness of, and funding research into, prostate and testicular cancer, suicide prevention and overall mental and physical health and wellbeing.

During the last two decades, Movember has supported more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world.

As well as fundraising, the Upper Sixth students focused on health topics, delivering a weekly talk to all the boys in their Houses on, respectively, physical and mental health, body image and the importance of being a good listener.

There was also a popular Krispy Kreme sale during morning break (pictured above and below) to further boost funds.

George Glen (SH5) and James Tam (MH5), Deputy Heads of School, organised the month-long campaign. George said: “Our collective effort, showcased through the growth of questionable moustaches, has not only raised vital awareness about men’s health but has also fostered meaningful conversations among students and, hopefully, staff too. Tonbridge has an environment of awareness, support and unity.”

James added: “Movember has become part of the Tonbridge tradition and it is great to continue supporting this cause.”

The Upper Sixth students, each representing one of the School’s 12 Houses, were Boyan, Ferdie, Ed, Freddie, Krrishn, Sam, Abhay, Max, Nick, Toby, Vir and Hugh.

The School’s porters also made a fantastic fundraising effort – the charities supported by Movember are very close to the porters’ hearts – and they were supported along the way by many Tonbridge staff.

Pictured below: The School’s porters during Movember. Also pictured is the Krispy Kreme sale, led by the Upper Sixth Movember boys.