Movember has taken over some of London’s most favoured sights to raise awareness of the month-long campaign.
Now in its 12th year in the UK, Movember encourages millions of men around the world to embrace the moustache in all its glorious forms. The itchy one, the patchy one or even the lopsided one - they all help fight prostate cancer, testicular cancer and male suicide.
The takeover sees the historic Cutty Sark clipper ship and London Stadium, former Olympic venue and home of West Ham United, rocking a distinctive moustache, to encourage Londoners to get involved by signing up, fundraising and encouraging men to talk more openly about their health.
The giant Mo has also invaded the pitch at the home of The Hammers, turned heads at the entrance to the 117-year-old Greenwich Foot Tunnel, and been spotted above London’s high-rise skyline.
The installation coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Cutty Sark, positioning Movember at the centre of an important year for one of London’s most historic landmarks.
Simon Traynor, Movember’s Interim Executive Director, said: “We are back for another year to encourage men to grow a Mo, sign up and donate as we prepare for Movember.
“We are more determined than ever to keep raising awareness and get men to talk more openly about their health.
“And that’s why we are taking over iconic sights in London to spread the message far and wide, and change the face of men’s health.”
According to a recent report released by the men’s health charity, 45 per cent of 18-34-year-old men in the UK are reluctant to talk about their feelings for fear of being seen as less masculine.
Research commissioned by Movember and carried out by Ipsos MORI found despite significant awareness that talking openly was an effective way of dealing with problems, younger men, in particular, were reluctant to do so.
Movember wants to encourage men to speak up when things get tough, and hope Mo’s About Town will spark conversations which could ultimately save lives.
To keep the buzz going and get guys talking opening about their physical and mental health, giant moustaches will also appear on some of the most well recognised landmarks in the capital during the campaign, with supporters able to track images on social media.
London Stadium has thrown full support behind Movember in 2019, with digital Mo’s set to pop up around the ground throughout the month.
Graham Gilmore, London Stadium Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re immensely proud to be amplifying Movember’s awareness message to the hundreds of thousands of fans and visitors to the venue throughout November.
“If we can help just a small proportion of men to be more comfortable talking about their health, it could make a huge difference to so many lives.”