Bedford School leading the way for Movember

Published by Bedford Upper School on Friday 25th of November 2016

Bedford School, habitually the largest Movember fundraiser in the UK in the education sector, has raised an incredible £50,991.34 for the men’s health charity since its involvement in 2010. In a special assembly this month to celebrate the school’s involvement with the charity, Owen Sharp, Movember CEO, commended and thanked both staff and boys for their inspiring support and, importantly, their engagement in men’s health issues; stressing the importance of conversations in the fight against testicular cancer and mental health problems. Bedford School Head Master, James Hodgson told us, “We are proud of the educative work the boys do, which includes senior boys planning and leading sessions on health issues (mental and physical) with the younger boys. At a time when teenage mental health issues have reached record levels in the UK, this month provides an uplifting example of where teenage boys are taking a serious responsibility for looking after one another.” The school’s two new, highly-anticipated Movember videos – created and filmed by the boys themselves – were launched in the same special assembly. Boys involved in their creation are optimistic that the videos will help to start even more all-important conversations about men’s health. Fighting the Battle Together https://youtu.be/zA7ntnuBpzU The boys’ video about mental health has received incredible support. In less than 24 hours this powerful video received over 63,438 video views, 3,255 likes/loves/wows and 901 shares (on post and shares) on Facebook alone. MoPhone Bling https://youtu.be/9348bg_x45c The boys' second video, a parody, is also going down a storm, highlighting the important issue of Men’s Health in a light-hearted, fun way. The school’s month-long fundraising efforts have also included numerous sponsored sporting activities such as dodgeball, an aptly named Rugby ‘ball handling’ skills session and a tug of war competition as well as themed mufti-days – to name just a few. The tremendous spirit of camaraderie and passion for the Movember charity has been clearly evident, not only in all those taking part in the fundraising efforts but also in their supporters. Susie Spyropoulos, the teacher behind the Bedford School Movember campaign, said, “Whilst Movember is obviously great fun for both boys and staff, there is a serious side to the campaign. Throughout the month there has been a focus on raising awareness and educating the boys on the health risks that they face and how to identify them. Movember is great for giving the boys the opportunity and confidence to talk about their health, and, in particular, mental health, more openly.” The Bedford School team can be sponsored at http://mvmbr.co/2fDUkfz.