Almost 8,000 Irish people so far have registered to take part in the Movember campaign, which begins today.
Ireland’s fifth Movember campaign today issued its now annual call for men to grow a sponsored moustache in aid of Action Prostate Cancer.
Female participants are asked to take part too, by encouraging the men in their lives to volunteer and support the cause.
So far this year, Irish volunteers have raised €46,000. All funds raised go towards supporting Action Prostate Cancer, an Irish Cancer Society initiative.
Last year, 15,000 Irish people took part, raising €1.7 million. Globally 854,000 men have participated to date, raising €92.4 million.
Ireland’s Movember organiser Neil Rooney is hopeful of setting a new record for participants this year. “Historically, Movember has experienced solid growth every year and we hope that this year will be the same,” he said.
“As well as raising much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society’s initiative, Action Prostate Cancer, Movember continues to create conversation around the issue of men’s health.
As a result, talk becomes action and men are becoming more and more aware of their own health.” Mr Rooney added it was never too late to take part in the campaign, as people register throughout the month.
Leinster and Irish player Jamie Heaslip takes part each year. He said the campaign allows men to talk more openly about their health.
“I’ve been doing Movember since 2007. I grew handlebars and it looked absolutely disgusting and I got a load of abuse from my family and friends, but it was worth it to get people talking about men’s health and awareness around it,” he said.
Ireland is currently in sixth place on the list of countries that have raised the most money so far. To register for the Movember campaign, visit ie.movember.com.