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Dec 2024
'Tash-growing teachers in Knaresborough complete Movember challenge
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A group of Knaresborough teachers have raised more than £4,000 as part of Movember.
The King James’s School teachers took part in the moustache-growing charitable initiative, which runs every November and seeks to raise funds and awareness for men’s health.
It draws attention to mental health and suicide prevention, as well as to testicular and prostate cancer.
One of the teachers, Charlie Phillips, said his father died last year after his own battle with prostate cancer.
In a video put together by the teachers, which was played for pupils, Mr Phillips said he didn’t know much about the condition before his dad’s diagnosis.
Mr Phillips took on the challenge in the hopes young men can grow up without feeling afraid to seek help or medical advice, he added.
Some of the teachers and their 'tashes at King James's School.
The month started with a ‘brave the shave’ event, during which the 12 teachers shaved their facial hair to begin the ‘tash-growing process.
The teachers took part in activities, such as walking and running, as part of their fundraising efforts. Justin Waters set himself a target of walking 60km over November.
Pupils voted for their favourite moustache styles, which came to fruition for one lucky teacher, Mr Keeble, at the school’s live beard shave. It was livestreamed across the school and Mr Keeble was left with a “Hulk Hogan-inspired handlebar moustache”.
Mr Bell was voted ‘Mo King’ for his impressive moustache, while Mr Ratcliffe was crowned ‘Mo Joker’ for his ‘tash.
The teachers have raised £4,209 for Movember.
Mr Phillips said:
The real victory isn’t just the money raised. It’s the conversations we’ve had and the awareness we’ve built within our school and beyond. That’s what makes this so special.
The teachers said the money raised will go directly towards funding research into prostate and testicular cancer, as well as other men’s health projects and initiatives.
King James’s School said in a statement today:
More importantly, the campaign has laid the groundwork for ongoing discussions about health and wellbeing at King James's School.
To everyone who donated, participated, or supported in any way, thank you. Together, we’ve not only exceeded our fundraising target but have also made a real difference in raising awareness and fostering a culture of openness and support.
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