by Sean Mooney

Men’s health, in particular depression and prostate cancer, are subjects that go without much discussion and Movember is a movement to change that. The popularity of the competition is unmistakable and growing each year.  Even as early as Movember 1st, Australia leads the global count with $1,369,979 raised from the nearly 70,000 ‘mo-bros’ and ‘mo-sistas’. Our Online Editor Shaun Mooney gave it a go and kept a diary.

Week 1

This morning I woke up to the last fresh shave of the next month. Its Movember and it’s time to proclaim my manhood and grow a dirty big moustache.

I can think of no better advertising campaign than having thousands of Tom Selleck-esq ‘tashes parading around town. Of course I’m dong it for a laugh – how else could my girlfriend put up with her own moustache rash for a month? But there is also a vital cause the drives the hairy growth of my upper lip.

Men’s health, in particular depression and prostate cancer, are a subjects that go without much discussion and Movember is a movement to change that. The popularity of the competition is unmistakable and growing each year.  Even as early as Movember 1st, Australia leads the global count with $1,369,979 raised from the nearly 70,000 ‘mo-bros’ and ‘mo-sistas’.

The Movember Gala party is what we are all working towards. This is where the mo-maintenance that we are so painstakingly devoted to will gain the plaudits it deserves. It’s only week one but I’m ready for the most macho moustache ever!

Week 2

I’ve been maintaining my moustache on a daily basis and I must admit it’s become a bit of an infatuation. I’ve never shaved so often in my life! I spent a bit of time mid-week deciding what type of mo’ this bro’ can grow. I am a big fan of the ‘handlebars’ and the Errol Flynn pencil ‘tash was also a front runner. In the end though, the ‘Tom Selleck’ won out – just a thick manly moustache, no frills.

By gum it’s starting to look good! The lads think it’s great although they aren’t shy taking the piss. One thing I am finding difficult is how to gauge what the female population think. It’s a whole different ball game at the shops or on the train. The mo-bashing is bad enough from your friends and workmates, the horrified looks are worse from the general public who have never even heard of Movember.

But in the end that’s what this month is all about, raising awareness.

I’ve joined a Movember team at work and, even at this early stage, competition for sponsorship is fierce. I’m not the hairiest man alive and already I feel like I’ve been put to shame a little by some of the more seasoned moustache-men. To be fair, even after one week I don’t have much to show so I think I’ll have to wait another week before I can give potential Movember sponsors something for their money!

WEEK 3

OK, now I definitely have something to show sponsors. How do I know this? Because no-one seems to be able to take me seriously anymore!

We are in the thick of Movember now and the ‘tash is beginning to resemble a broom-head. I’m sure last year I just let the thing grow, but it’s different this year. I think it’s time to take things to the next level. After all the Movember Gala Party is only two weeks away now and I got to look my best for that!

A recent ‘mo-bro consultation’ with my mo-peers confirmed that at this rate the ‘tash I’m growing will be the envy of Perth.

I went to get McDonalds the other day and I think I was served by half the staff who were taking turns in having a laugh. One car even ran into another in the drive thru!! They aren’t stopping traffic, these moustaches are causing car crashes! I drove round to a quiet corner to eat my McChicken in peace, but then the kids in the play-area started having a go too.

Stuff that! I should be proud. Remember Sean, its for a good cause! As the month mo’s on I am noticing on the train, in the shops and at the moustache groomer that I’m not as alone as I thought I was. Heeve-ho the mighty mo, there’s still two weeks left! I have to be careful though this could get out of control.

WEEK 4

Yes, we’re into the fifth week of Movember and I still have 48 hours left!

The Movember Gala Party on Friday night was he last memorable moment of the month. The Leederville Hotel put on a great night of awards for a few hundred strong crowd in their most moustache relevant fancy dress. The only thing left to look forward to now is shaving!

I’ve raised $200 for the charity, which isn’t a great deal. I’ve been told that the amount you raise is simply a reflection of what people think your moustache is worth. And do you know what?! I’m absolutely stoked people think my moustache is worth that much!

I wonder what it would be worth once it has been shaved off…