One in all in: HSBC Waratahs unite behind Movember

Having come together last month for the start of their pre-season campaign, this month sees players and staff at Waratahs Rugby unite behind a different cause.

The annual Movember campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health and prevention of prostate cancer across Australia. 

This year, the squad had adopted a one-in, all-in approach, after learning that team-mate Brendan McKibbin had a personal reason for supporting the cause.
“My father is currently suffering from prostate cancer, this foundation is close to me. 

Click here to listen to Brendan's interview on Fox Sports News.

“I think the male community really needs to stand up and show their voice. It’s a great cause, raising awareness for prostate cancer and getting awareness out there in the community.

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in Australia and around the world.

“We can make a difference by getting out there and talking to people, finding out more information about the disease and then transferring that on.

“It’s about getting men to put their usual bravery and machoness aside so that we can become more aware.”

After starting the month with a clean-shaven face, the 30 players will attempt to outdo their fellow team mates in the gym, on the training field and in the facial hair department, knowing that the rest of the organisation is behind them and supporting their fund raising efforts.

“Directly or indirectly, we’ve all been affected by these issues.  With men, raising awareness is really important.  We’re not invincible and we need to make sure these issues are identified and that we act on them.

“Through Movember, it’s great to be able to put our competitive natures to good use and try to outdo each other for something more than just bragging rights in the gym.”

So who does McKibbin think will win the Mo stakes? 

“Probably the hairier blokes, judging by their backs!  Guys like Greg Peterson or Pat McCutcheon!

“The worst will probably be Matt Lucas, my fellow half back.  He arrived with one that was looking very whispy so I’m not sure if the month of Movember will help him with growing a decent mo!”
 
The players are calling on the support of their teammates, friends, family and the fans to help them raise as much money as possible for men’s mental health and prostate cancer.

“People can support us by getting as many donations as possible by spreading the word but also getting them to listen and talk to each other about getting involved.

“It is something that I am pretty passionate about and something that, as an organisation, we are really proud to get behind.”

You can support any of the HSBC Waratahs players’ Movember campaigns by visiting the HSBC Waratahs Movember page at http://au.movember.com/team/673485

To check out their Mo growing progress, you can follow the squad on Twitter @NSWWaratahs or Facebook at www.facebook/waratahs.
 
The Movember Effect: Awareness & Education, Survivorship, Research
The funds raised in Australia support equally the two biggest health issues men face – prostate cancer and male mental health. The funds raised are directed to programs run directly by Movember and our men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue: the national depression initiative. Together, the three channels work together to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programs in line with our strategic goals, in the areas of awareness and education, survivorship and research.