Those who know me will know that Movember has been a big event on my calendar for over 10 years now, as it's something very close to my heart.

Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends are facing a health crisis, yet it’s rarely talked about. Men are dying too young. We can’t afford to stay silent. Movember are the leading charity changing the face of men’s health. They know what works for men – and what doesn’t. Prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention – they’re taking them all on. Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, and shaking up men’s health research.

For those of you who have never heard of the classic Movember funding, men will go clean shaven on November 1st and spend the month growing some form of moustache while raising funds, with those of us who are blessed with good facial hair growth often deciding to do something a little out of the ordinary... and that is what I am doing with the return of an old favourite: the Monkeytail!

But this year, I'm doing things a little different. Usually this is a bit of fun for a month with a deeper meaning, but for someone who is suffering from cancer or mental health issues, they don't have the luxury of getting back to normal, it is life-changing. And for that reason, this year begins my Movember Marathon. You will usually find me with a short beard, but that was shaved away on 1st November and the Monkeytail has now grown in, and will be staying until 30th November 2023. That's not a typo, I am going around with this ridiculous facial hair for 13 months.

I appreciate that the country is in a difficult financial situation, but all donations will be going to a great cause, and let's face it I look like an idiot - more than usual! I've set a very simple target for starters, but hope to keep updating it as the year goes on, so please help me raise as much as we can to help change the face of men's health!