Have you noticed more whiskered men roaming Hackney’s streets? Each November moustache growing raises awareness and funds for combating prostate and testicular cancer. “Movember” attracts an annual average of 1.9 million participants worldwide and has raised over £79.3m. But do our fuzzy Hackney-men know what they’re supporting?
Rae Boocock and Antonia Molloy spoke to “Mo Bros” around the borough.
David, 27, from Tottenham Hale said: “Movember is to do with cancer I think. I’m growing a moustache, but I haven’t got any sponsorship. It’s obviously a charity thing but I think for most it’s a fashion statement. That’s the whole idea behind it though; that’s why it works.”
Joshua, 34, from Hackney Central said: “I like the idea of growing a beard, especially for a good cause, but I get more of a goatee. It’s a good campaign, but what it stands for needs more coverage.”
Sam, 18, from Homerton said: “Mo Bros grow moustaches for November but I’m not sure what it’s really for… even though I’m taking part now. For the last two years, we have grown beards to raise money for my rugby club.”
Marco, 30, from Haggerston said: “It’s the moustache thing but I don’t know the reason behind it. Whatever the campaign though, it’s a good way of raising awareness. What better billboard than someone’s face? My moustache is a permanent feature.”
Andy, 42, from Bethnal Green said: “I don’t do it personally – my skin is itchy and sensitive. It’s not the best excuse, but I do support people who grow beards. Men’s cancer is a difficult thing to talk about so Movember is a good idea, but promoters should work harder to explain what it is all about.”
Tarek 36, from Kingsland Road said: “It’s basically people growing moustaches for testicular cancer. One of my colleagues is doing it, although I bet it will take him a month just to get a little stubble. It’s a great idea to raise money but lots of people are doing it and they don’t know why; they think it’s just a laugh.”
