Movember champions all moustaches great and small in new annual celeb-filled fundraising campaign

Now in its 21st year the charity has become the leading global men’s health movement, raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health, including suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer, which 45% of the UK have been affected by, either personally or through someone they know.

The tongue-in-cheek portraits celebrate the lifesaving power of all moustaches great and small, as we see our celebs set off on an epic journey to answer the call of the Moustache; from patchy beginnings to the best you can do, to no mo whatsoever or even a glorious bushy ‘tache.

The images feature no mo champions, TV Presenter Jake Humphrey and Olympic Gymnast Max Whitlock OBE, both flying the flag for the cleanly shaven. Slow mo growers include ex-Gogglebox star Joe Baggs and British Actor Royce Pierreson alongside Sunday Brunch Presenter Simon Rimmer, ex Rugby Player Ugo Monye and Mental Health Ambassador Dr Alex George. Finally, full on mo growers Welsh Broadcaster Matt Johnson, British Actors Kola Bokinni and Jack James Ryan, plus Paralympian Blaine Hunt, all show that a moustache is always a great idea.

The launch follows new research from Movember* that found more than one in three (33%) of Brits saw not being able to grow a moustache as the biggest barrier to getting involved in past Movember fundraising campaigns. Additionally, almost a quarter of British men (24%) said they hadn’t taken part due to not being able to grow a moustache or being dissatisfied with the growth of theirs. Almost a fifth (17%) simply didn’t know there were other ways to fundraise outside of growing a mo. The research also found that half (51%) of women in the UK thought they’d have to grow a moustache to get involved.

Movember’s findings also revealed that two in three Brits (66%) have been affected by mental health issues either personally, or through someone they know. Almost half (42%) have been affected by suicide, 27% by prostate cancer, and a fifth (19%) by testicular cancer.

Joe Baggs, Ex-Gogglebox star and TikTok sensation said: “I know firsthand the challenges that come with being a young man and the impact of being online has had on my self-worth and mental well-being. We need to create healthier spaces and stronger support systems for young men – both online and in their everyday lives. That’s why this Movember I’ll be sporting my first ever ‘tache and flying the flag for their lifesaving work.”

Kola Bokinni, British actor and Race Around the World star said: “For too long men’s health has been overlooked and swept to the sidelines. In the UK 2 in 5 men die prematurely from largely preventable reasons. That’s unacceptable, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m joining forces with Movember to help change the face of men’s health. And remember It doesn’t matter if your ‘tache is glorious or barely there, you can still make a difference – so jump in, take on a challenge and help save lives.”

Dr Alex George, UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador said: “Championing mental health has always been, and will always be close to my heart, and to be able to support Movember, and raise awareness around their vital work is an honour. The unfortunate truth is that 75% of all suicides are male, which is why we need to continue to challenge unhealthy behaviours and evolve cultural norms of what it means to ‘be a man’, to create generational change.

Jack James Ryan, British Actor said: “As someone who's personally been through the challenge of testicular cancer, I can’t stress enough how important it is to openly talk about men’s health. I remember the feeling of isolation, fear, and vulnerability that came with my diagnosis, and how hard it was to find others who understood what I was going through. That’s why Movember means so much to me – helping make space for us to have real conversations about men’s mental and physical health.”

Anne-Cecile Berthier, Country Director UK & Europe at Movember said: “Here at Movember, we’re driven by a bold mission to change the face of men’s health. But that mission isn't ours to tackle alone. To truly make a difference, we need to unite our global community of supporters.

Moustache or no moustache there are countless ways to show support and get involved, from moving 60km in the month, hosting an event or taking on an epic challenge, we encourage everyone to answer the call and get involved this Movember and help stop men from dying too young.”

Mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer – Movember is taking them all on. In the UK, 3 in 4 suicides are men, 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, and testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men.

Movember are making change, but they need your help. Grow a moustache, take on the Move challenge by running or walking 60km, host a virtual event, or create your challenge with Mo Your Own Way. Sign up or donate now at Movember.com. Notes: *Research referenced carried out by Opinium between 23rd August 2024 – 27th August 2024 amongst a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults.

About Movember:

Twenty years ago, a bristly idea was born in Melbourne, Australia, igniting a movement that would transcend borders and change the face of men’s health forever. The movement, known as Movember, united people from all walks of life. Sparking billions of important conversations, raising vital funds, and shattering the silence surrounding men’s health issues. Since 2003, this trailblazing charity has challenged the status quo, shaken up men’s health research and transformed the way that health services reach and support men. Taking on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, with unwavering determination.

They have raised over £790M for men’s health, thanks to a passionate network of global Movember supporters. These critical funds have delivered more than 1,300 men’s health projects around the world. Funding hundreds of biomedical research projects and developing some of the largest prostate cancer registries in the world, based on the real-life experiences of hundreds of thousands of men. Since taking on mental health and suicide prevention in 2006, Movember has emphasised the importance of better social connections, early recognition of what men’s poor mental health looks like, and how clinicians can better respond to men in distress. So, more men know what to do when mental health issues appear, and supporters are better prepared to step in when needed.

Movember will continue championing new research, cutting-edge treatments, and healthy behaviours. Advocating for inclusive, gender-responsive healthcare systems that are tailored to the unique needs of men, women and gender-diverse people from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds. In doing so, they hope to forge a future where barriers to healthy living are overcome, stigmas are removed, and where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a long healthy life. By improving men’s health, we can have a profoundly positive impact on women, families, and society. Because healthier men means a healthier world. To learn more, please visit Movember.com.