CHRISTIAN men across the nation are being encouraged to grow a
"Holy Mo" throughout November as part of an annual charity
fund-raiser.
The Movember charity, which has been urging men to grow
moustaches to raise money and awareness for male cancers since
2003, has launched the "Holy Mo Challenge" to "let faith
communities show off their renowned capacity for facial
growth".
A priest who survived prostate cancer said that, besides being a
"fabulous cause", Movember was also good fun.
The associate priest of St Michael's, Flixton, in Greater
Manchester, the Revd Alex Clephane, said: "I was given the
all-clear last year and there are quite a few in our congregation
who have gone through it as well. The attention given to prostate
cancer during Movember is going to help people to go to the doctor
and get checked. It's a fantastic cause and a bit of fun."
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Revd James Newcome, the Church's
lead bishop on health care, said: "Many lives, including those of
my friends and colleagues, have been impacted by testicular and
prostate cancer, and by the stigma attached to talking about them.
I would like to commend Movember for encouraging faith communities
to engage with issues of men's health and encourage people to
consider growing a moustache this Movember, proudly sporting Holy
Mos in our communities and supporting those who do."
Some 15 male ordinands at Cranmer Hall theological college in
Durham have joined the challenge this year. Their Movember team
captain, Chris Lawton, said: "A lot of the people here have
relatives affected by the male cancers. Last year, we raised £500
at Cranmer and another £500 with the undergraduates, but we are
looking to substantially outgrow that this year."