A group of nurses at Armadale health service ditched the razors to raise awareness about men’s health and prostate cancer.
The hospital-based team called the Ar-mo-dale chaps have been growing their moustaches since November 1 for the annual Movember campaign.
The team hoped to fundraise more than $2000 and spread the message of men’s health.
Team spokesman and registered nurse Jake Hills said his work in health made Movember a poignant fundraising effort.
“Working in the health care setting I see first-hand the importance of men getting their health checks,” he said.
“Many men go on to develop serious health issues in the future because they ignored the early warning signs or were reluctant to seek help.
“We want to change that so that more men are living happier, healthier and longer lives.”
Other Arm-mo-dale chap clinical research nurse Jonathon Burcham said as a nurse in the emergency department he saw a lot of men whose health was affected by many different diseases and illnesses.
“Just like a car or a lawn, a bloke’s body needs ongoing maintenance to keep it running and looking its best,” he said.
“Men generally aren’t great at getting their annual health check-up or seeking help when something goes a bit wrong.
“A lot of guys aren’t aware of some of the most common health problems and even if they are aware they often think it couldn’t happen to them.”Movember Foundation’s executive director Paul Villanti said the Movember moustache acted like a walking, talking billboard for men’s health.
“It sparks conversations which leads to men talking about and taking action when it comes to their physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.
“There’s still a lot to be done to change the face of men’s health and we’re challenging all Aussies to grow and support the moustache to help raise funds and awareness that will have an impact on the health of men around the country.”
Since starting in 2003 more than five million people have joined Movember helping to fund more than 1000 men’s health projects globally in the areas of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and physical inactivity.
Donations could be made at moteam.co/armodale-chaps
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