Coming Together for Men’s Health

In a heartfelt initiative spearheaded by Head of Art, Mr Dave Meads, staff united to raise awareness for men’s health. Inspired by the Movember appeal, Dave encouraged staff to wear a moustache for a day to raise awareness within the school community.

Reflecting on the significance of this campaign, Dave shared his personal journey:

“This year, as we come together for Movember, I am reminded of how crucial it is to raise awareness about men’s health. One year ago, I received my own diagnosis of prostate cancer. Like many men, I had never considered visiting a doctor unless absolutely necessary. It was only by chance that a close friend – aware of a family history of prostate cancer – urged me to get a PSA test. Reluctantly, I went to my GP, despite feeling fit, healthy, and symptom-free. Just three days later, I got the call: my PSA levels were alarmingly high. Thankfully, the cancer was contained and successfully treated with surgery.”

Since his recovery, Dave has dedicated himself to spreading awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging men to take control of their health.

“I’ve had the privilege of cycling from John O’Groats to Land’s End, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon along the way, raising over £3,500 for Prostate Cancer UK. This journey was only the beginning of my mission to help others.”

In organising the mo-wearing day, Dave aimed to unite staff in support of men’s health issues, including prostate cancer and mental health. The event sought not only to raise funds for Movember but also to create a supportive and collective environment where everyone could share awareness.

“By taking part, we hope to inspire more conversations, encourage early health checks, and show that small actions can lead to significant impact,” Dave concluded.

As a School, we are alert to the potential for some children to need support in this context depending on their own personal contexts, and we continue to encourage parents to reach out to their child’s tutor so we can fully support them.

About Movember:

Movember is the leading global charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health. Through funding groundbreaking research and supporting awareness campaigns, Movember is on a mission to tackle the biggest health issues facing men today, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.