Chefs and front-of-house staff at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant Fifteen, in Hoxton, are joining the legions of men growing moustaches this month to help defeat cancer. ‘Movember’ volunteers annually raise money for testicular and prostate cancer charities by being sponsored to grow moustaches. But as the men enter the third week of growth, opinions on the campaign have been split.
Restaurant manager Charlie Winch, from Stoke Newington, said: “We’ve got three restaurants from the Jamie Oliver Company taking part. It’s a fun light-hearted way to generate attention for a great cause.”
Women in Hackney have also become aware of the campaign. Amber Newyln, a 19-year-old student from Islington, said: “I didn’t know it was to raise money, that’s cool. If I could grow a beard, I’d definitely take part.”
35-year-old hairstylist Georgia O’Brien, from Hoxton, commented: “I understand it’s for a good cause but I just couldn’t kiss a man with a beard.”
Many men take part in the campaign without raising any money or realising that it’s for charity. 71-year-old- Stephen Davies, from Islington, said: “It’s a good idea if you can grow a moustache. It’s unusual. I think I’d need a sticker or something saying ‘my moustache is for cancer research’”.
Hoxton designer Julian de le Point, 32, had strong feelings about the aesthetics of Movember: “I’m thinking it depends on your facial structure. For me it would look wrong.” Le Point went on to say that giving to charity should not just be a month long endeavour, but a commitment for life.
Last year’s appeal raised £80 million across the world.
