When I first did Movember in 2012, it was soon after my father had passed away. As is often the way with pancreatic cancer, the diagnosis came very late: because the disease is hard to detect he died only 10 weeks after being diagnosed, so advanced was the cancer by that stage. Movember helps fund research into cancer including pancreatic cancer, but has made the greatest advances in testicular and prostate cancer where acting on early warning signs and taking greater personal care can really extend and save lives.

Men tend not to be as good at taking care of their physical or mental health, ignoring warning signs or suggestions to go and see a doctor. The challenge of breaking down stereotypes and encouraging men to get the help they need can be even greater in predominantly ‘male’ sectors like construction where I have spent most of my working life, so I feel an even greater need to spread the word and support this cause.

Movember is the leading charity changing the face of men's health, and this Movember I'm joining them. Together we can make a difference for men's health – in prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Help me stop men dying too young.