Hairy way to raise money

THE mighty Movember marauders at St Christopher’s School have made a major fund-raising impression this year by raising a staggering BD1,318.270.

Movember (the month formerly known as November) is a moustache-growing global charity event held each year that raises funds and awareness for men’s health.

Annually the male members of staff are supported by macho sixth formers getting a bit hairy around the face and the fairer sex and younger pupils help raise funds too.

Organiser Barry Hobday, head of geography, said: “Support for Movember grows stronger and stronger each year … it’s really quite hairy how it has taken off!

“There are still a few ‘dribs and drabs’ to come in before we get the final total but I would like to thank everyone for their efforts.

“All of the money will be donated to the Bahrain Cancer Society to help with its research and assist local people who are suffering from this terrible disease. Once again, many thanks for all the donations and efforts for this worthwhile cause.

“The aim is to raise awareness of male diseases such as prostate and testicular cancers. We need to raise the overall profile of men’s health following the successful Think Pink breast cancer awareness campaign – after all, women, on average, live longer than men!”

As the male ‘mo bros’, as the campaigners collectively call themselves, grew mustaches, their supporters also sold blue ribbons and felt material ’taches which were worn with pride in the classrooms and playground.

A Mufti-Day was also held last Thursday and students were able to slip on special blue Movember T-Shirts to support the cause with a donation instead of wearing school uniform.

Last year they raised BD300 and were hoping to top that and hopefully reach BD500. But they hadn’t counted on the persuasive powers of head of chemistry Dr Shaun Baker who piled in with passion and alone collected BD733.700.

He said the people of Bahrain were ‘incredibly generous’ during social events and visits to the Bahrain Rugby Football Club and Dilmun Club and his wife, Samantha, was also at hand to support his efforts.

Cancer had touched their lives and claimed three of their grandparents.