Mo Bros, it’s that time of year

Urging young men to get tested for testicular cancer, Movember ambassador Shaun Harris told of his battle to overcome the disease at the Movember launch in Durban. Picture: Lauren Rawlins

Urging young men to get tested for testicular cancer, Movember ambassador Shaun Harris told of his battle to overcome the disease at the Movember launch in Durban. Picture: Lauren Rawlins

Published Oct 31, 2014

Share

 

Durban - It’s that time of year again when men’s upper lips across the globe twitch in anticipation of Movember next month.

The challenge is to grow a moustache after starting cleanshaven on November 1, to raise funds and awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer.

Movember ambassador Shaun Harris was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, and is in remission today. The Olympic swimming hopeful, who specialises in the 50m freestyle event, had to undergo surgery and have one of his testicles removed.

“However, they were not able to remove the tumour and I had to start a series of chemotherapy. The chemo was able to reduce its size, and it was successfully removed in a six-and-a-half-hour operation,” said Harris.

The 30-year-old, who grew up in Port Elizabeth, is now on a new mission to compete at the top level again and show people there is life after cancer.

Harris urged young men to take part in Movember and to get themselves tested as, “it can happen to anyone, no matter how healthy you think you are”.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “Made in Movember”.

Country manager of Movember South Africa, Garron Gsell, said: “It is inspired by the global trend of proudly supporting locally grown and manufactured products. It encourages the authenticity of putting in the time and effort to create something exceptional and worthwhile – like growing an awesome mo in Movember.”

Women are reminded that Movember is not only for their hairier halves – “Mo Sistas” play an important role, encouraging “Mo Bros” to sign up, pledging support and opening dialogue around men’s health issues.

Upon registering, there is the choice to participate as an individual or to start or join a team. Once registered or re-registered (as required for every campaign), Mo Bros start cleanshaven and grow a mo for the month, pledging funds and sponsorship towards their mo-growing efforts. Mo Sistas also sign up and pledge their support, making up 10 percent of the sign-ups.

Sign up or reregister on www.movember.com.

The Mercury

Related Topics: