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Mo Bros and Mo Sistas are taking on an epic 42.2-kilometre challenge to raise funds and awareness for Movember. Their purposes are unique, but they’ll tow the starting line at the London Marathon together. Here are their stories.
Alice Dorrington
https://mosista.co/alicedorrington
After my many years of fundraising for Movember, I have always considered whether I should commit myself to taking on a sporting challenge on behalf of the charity. In previous years I have talked myself out of it, worrying about whether I would get a good enough time, look like too much of a sweaty mess, or even be able to complete the challenge at all.
After rediscovering my love for running last autumn I feel ready to give it my best darn shot at running this marathon for Movember. Dad passed away from Prostate Cancer on the evening of 14th April 2014, it was the day before that we last spoke with the BBC’s London Marathon broadcast providing the background noise.
I knew that I was going to have to run it at least once in my life to honour that moment…and this feels like as good a time as any to me.
Gerhard Nel
After my many years of fundraising for Movember, I have always considered whether I should commit myself to taking on a sporting challenge on behalf of the charity. In previous years I have talked myself out of it, worrying about whether I would get a good enough time, look like too much of a sweaty mess, or even be able to complete the challenge at all.
After rediscovering my love for running last autumn I feel ready to give it my best darn shot at running this marathon for Movember. Dad passed away from Prostate Cancer on the evening of 14th April 2014, it was the day before that we last spoke with the BBC’s London Marathon broadcast providing the background noise.
I knew that I was going to have to run it at least once in my life to honour that moment…and this feels like as good a time as any to me.
Gerhard Nel
https://mobro.co/gerhardnel
I have been involved with the Movember Foundation for about 8 years now. I proudly call myself a Mo Bro for fighting the battle against cancer. My grandfather died of prostate cancer, my dad overcame prostate cancer, I have friends that overcame testicular cancer. Yet there are thousands of men that are still battling every day. I want to be one of the guys that stand up to it, and show my support. But recently I also realised that Movember is not just about cancer, but about mental health.
I am myself fighting depression, and the London Marathon is a perfect opportunity for the warrior inside me to prove that I can overcome adversity. Following my divorce, I began to experience intense self-critical thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, poor sleep, and I was struggling to concentrate. At my lowest point, I contemplated suicide. There’s a profound difference between ‘I’m having a bad day at work’ and ‘I’m having a bad day at work and I’m not going to get out of bed tomorrow because of it.’
When I’m running, those thoughts come and go, but I am not worried. I’ve learned that lacing up and hitting the open road is the best way for me to break free from such negative thoughts. Running reminds me that I can overcome this constant feeling of hopelessness, and that progress is possible on meeting my goals. Initially, I found it hard to get out of bed in the morning. Now, I have finished three half marathons in three months, and I intend to train for a half Ironman next year!
Running gives me a purpose. I run for those that cannot run, and Movember is giving me the opportunity to be part of London Marathon 2018 to do just that! I now realise why it has helped pull me out of a bad place and manage my depression and anxiety. Running is painful and so is life sometimes.
Anthony Wallis
I have been involved with the Movember Foundation for about 8 years now. I proudly call myself a Mo Bro for fighting the battle against cancer. My grandfather died of prostate cancer, my dad overcame prostate cancer, I have friends that overcame testicular cancer. Yet there are thousands of men that are still battling every day. I want to be one of the guys that stand up to it, and show my support. But recently I also realised that Movember is not just about cancer, but about mental health.
I am myself fighting depression, and the London Marathon is a perfect opportunity for the warrior inside me to prove that I can overcome adversity. Following my divorce, I began to experience intense self-critical thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, poor sleep, and I was struggling to concentrate. At my lowest point, I contemplated suicide. There’s a profound difference between ‘I’m having a bad day at work’ and ‘I’m having a bad day at work and I’m not going to get out of bed tomorrow because of it.’
When I’m running, those thoughts come and go, but I am not worried. I’ve learned that lacing up and hitting the open road is the best way for me to break free from such negative thoughts. Running reminds me that I can overcome this constant feeling of hopelessness, and that progress is possible on meeting my goals. Initially, I found it hard to get out of bed in the morning. Now, I have finished three half marathons in three months, and I intend to train for a half Ironman next year!
Running gives me a purpose. I run for those that cannot run, and Movember is giving me the opportunity to be part of London Marathon 2018 to do just that! I now realise why it has helped pull me out of a bad place and manage my depression and anxiety. Running is painful and so is life sometimes.
Anthony Wallis
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/anthony-wallis1
I’m running the London Marathon for two simple reasons: my father successfully beat prostate cancer last year, and my step brother took his own life in July.
I know the Movember Foundation funds both of these, and the statistics for suicide among men are astonishing. Anything I can do to help will be done.
James Buckingham
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-buckingham5
Running the London Marathon is something I have always wanted to do. I can’t believe I am actually doing it! I’m thrilled to be representing the Movember team and proud to be raising money for such a worthy cause.
This summer saw the arrival of my second son Wilfred, little brother to Felix. I will be running the marathon for them. They are the next generation and it’s so important to help improve their future any way I can.
I want to show them anything is possible if you stick to it, work hard and show them how important it is to support outstanding charities. Bring it on!
Alice Lambe
Running the London Marathon is something I have always wanted to do. I can’t believe I am actually doing it! I’m thrilled to be representing the Movember team and proud to be raising money for such a worthy cause.
This summer saw the arrival of my second son Wilfred, little brother to Felix. I will be running the marathon for them. They are the next generation and it’s so important to help improve their future any way I can.
I want to show them anything is possible if you stick to it, work hard and show them how important it is to support outstanding charities. Bring it on!
Alice Lambe
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alicelambe
I met Steven Robson at university in Leeds, and he became one of my closest mates. Every year he would partake in Movember, put on disco nights and raise a whole bunch of cash & awareness in the process. As much as I would like to say he looked like Tom Selleck during this month, that most definitely was not the case (the word ‘convict’ comes to mind).
At 27 he had his second battle with cancer and this time it wasn’t to be. Losing a friend that young has such a big effect, and certainly made me look at the world differently.
So, I’m running the London Marathon this year because 1) I’m an idiot. But mainly because, 2) I want to pick up where Steven left off and continue to raise some money for this wonderful cause.
I met Steven Robson at university in Leeds, and he became one of my closest mates. Every year he would partake in Movember, put on disco nights and raise a whole bunch of cash & awareness in the process. As much as I would like to say he looked like Tom Selleck during this month, that most definitely was not the case (the word ‘convict’ comes to mind).
At 27 he had his second battle with cancer and this time it wasn’t to be. Losing a friend that young has such a big effect, and certainly made me look at the world differently.
So, I’m running the London Marathon this year because 1) I’m an idiot. But mainly because, 2) I want to pick up where Steven left off and continue to raise some money for this wonderful cause.
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