15
Nov 2024
Knaresborough teachers grow ‘tashes for Movember
A group of Knaresborough schoolteachers are growing their moustaches during men’s mental health awareness month.
Twelve King James’s School teachers are taking part in Movember, a charitable initiative that raises funds and awareness for men’s health, including mental health and suicide prevention, as well as testicular and prostate cancer.
Besides flaunting their facial hair, the men have already raised more than £2,000 of their collective £3,000 target.
Teacher Charlie Phillips told the Stray Ferret:
Movember is more than just growing a moustache; it’s about encouraging men, especially young men, to take charge of their health and to feel empowered to seek support when they need it. Our goal at King James’s is to create a supportive environment where our students, especially boys, feel comfortable discussing critical issues like mental health, stress and burnout.
In a video put together by the teachers, Mr Phillips, whose father died last year after his own battle with prostate cancer, said he did not know much about the condition at the time of his dad's diagnosis.
He said he wants to “promote, educate and inspire”, and hopes young men can grow up without feeling afraid to ask for help or seek medical advice.
(L) Gareth Bell and Sam Foster.
The teachers are also taking part in activities, such as running and walking, as part of their fundraising efforts.
Justin Waters has set himself a target of walking 60km this month.
He said in the video:
This is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. There’s a lot of men out there, like me, who don’t talk about their problems. They feel that’s the right thing to do – it’s not.
There’s a lot of men dying younger than they need to because they don’t check themselves properly, especially around testicular and prostate cancer. Having these conversations is really great, because the bottom line is, it’s great to share and it does help. Even if it’s incredibly difficult for some people to do.
Mr Phillips told the Stray Ferret teachers will share the video promoting Movember with students and will post regular ‘tash updates on screens around the school.
At the end of November, students will vote on who they think grew the best moustache.
You can donate to the King James’s School Movember fundraiser here.
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