A raft of MSPs have backed a quirky campaign to help raise
awareness and funds for prostate cancer during the month formerly
known as November.
Seven MSPs from across three parties have been growing and
nurturing moustaches over the month to support Movember - which
aims to change the face of men's health by raising awareness of
prostate cancer and other men's health issues.
The MSPs are: Roderick Campbell MSP (North East Fife), Jim Eadie
MSP (Edinburgh Southern), Adam Ingram MSP (Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley),
John Park MSP (Mid Scotland & Fife), David Torrance MSP
(Kirkcaldy), Liam McArthur MSP (Orkney Islands) and Mark McDonald
MSP (North East Scotland).
Alongside almost a quarter of a million men throughout the UK
these MSPs have become walking, talking billboards - using their
moustaches to put prostate cancer firmly on the agenda during
November.
Furthermore, 40 MSPs from across the political spectrum have
backed a Parliamentary Motion in support of the campaign, which has
successfully raised millions of pounds for research into prostate
cancer and for programmes to support people affected by the
disease.
A newly-hirsute Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of The Prostate
Cancer Charity, said: "There have been some hairy moments, but as
the moustache season draws to a close it's great to know that some
MSPs have been through this journey with me, and that many more
have signalled their support for the campaign. Although prostate
cancer is the most common cancer in men, it lags behind other
common cancers, both in terms of investment in research and in
awareness. The fact that so many politicians have shown their
support just goes to show how Movember is helping us to redress
this balance and put the disease firmly in the spotlight. "
Since its humble beginnings in Australia in 2003, Movember has
grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.1
million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate worldwide so far.
Last year over 111,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas across the UK
raised an amazing £11.7 million. These funds have helped support
The Prostate Cancer Charity's vital work fighting prostate cancer
on every front - through research, support, information and
campaigning. This year a hair raising 250,000 men and women
have taken part across the UK with at least £12 million raised
already.