FOR the first time in Bermuda, November will become 'Movember' ¿ thanks to a month-long charity event raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer research, writes Clare O'Connor.

A group of local 'Mo Bros' are hoping Bermuda's men will join the Movember cause by growing a moustache for the month of November.

Participants must start with a clean-shaven face tomorrow, November 1, then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache or 'Mo', raising money along the way to benefit men's health ¿ specifically prostate cancer and male depression.

The charity event is well known in the UK, US, and Australia, but is coming to Bermuda for the first time thanks to the efforts of local 'Mo Bros' Mike Kane, John Jackson, and Keenan Press and 'Mo Sista' Nicole Tovey.

"We need as many guys to step forward and help this great cause by growing a moustache for the month of November," said Mr. Kane.

"Not only will it raise awareness, but deep down I think we've always wondered what it would be like! It's only for a month and we want to make the first time in Bermuda as successful as possible."

While growing a 'Mo' is left to the guys, 'Mo Sistas' form an important part of Movember by recruiting men, helping to raise funds and attending the highly anticipated 'MoTown Party' at the end of the month. In Bermuda, this party is scheduled for Saturday , November 29, and will include a mass 'shave-off' and announcement of the prestigious title 'Man of Movember'.

More details will be announced on the Bermuda 'Movember' event page on Facebook.

The organisers hope participants and their supporters will see Movember as more than just the build-up to a party.

"Whichever way we look at it, men are far less healthy than women and are afraid to talk about these probing issues," Mr. Kane said.

"The average life expectancy for men is five years less than females.The obvious question is, 'Why?' The answer is because men lack awareness about the very real health issue they face, have an attitude that they have to be tough ¿ 'a real man' ¿ and are reluctant to see a doctor about an illness or to go for regular medical checks.

"The aim of Movember is to change these attitudes, make male health fun by putting the 'Mo' back on the face of fashion and in the process raise some serious funds for the number one male health issue, prostate cancer."

Funds raised through Movember will be used for high-impact research to find better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer.

For more information and to register, visit www.movember.com or look up the local Facebook page.