Movember 2023 at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Movember is the leading charity helping to change the face of men’s health on a global scale, focusing particularly on men’s mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world. The charity unites global experts to collaborate on projects that will fundamentally change the way men in need are treated and supported. South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) has supported Movember for the last few years, for these important reasons.

This year, members of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service took part in the Movember campaign in many ways, with the hopes of raising money for men’s health issues:

• Many members of staff were seen sporting moustaches throughout the month – committing to a ‘no-shave November’ with a goal of showing support and raising awareness of the hair which many cancer patients lose during treatment
• Those who couldn’t grow a mo took part in several fitness-related activities and challenges throughout the month
• Station 14 Pontyclun climbed Pen y Fan in full kit – which is a total of 2,900 feet
• Georgi Ivanov, Statistical and Risk Assistant, set himself a challenge to run 100km in November, completing it in less than a month – to raise money for Movember and support the cause

John Bolton, Station Manager, said:

“Like many people, I have personally seen friends and colleagues go through difficult times, and because of this I decided to take part in Movember, to do my bit in raising awareness for men’s health issues. As well as the moustache, I am taking part in a daily press up challenge with my local gym.”

Georgi Ivanov, Statistical and Risk Assistant, said:

“This November, I chose to run 100 kilometres and raise awareness for men’s mental health through the Movember charity. Beyond the physical challenge, this journey brought additional consistency and fitness into my life. Each step was a stride towards breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.”

Sam Middle, Firefighter from Station 14, said:

“On Saturday 2nd December, the RDS Crew from Pontyclun will be taking on Pen y Fan in full fire kit, in the hopes of raising both funds and awareness for men’s health.  It’s a cause close to my heart, not only because most of my fire family are male, but also because I have known a number of men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer as well as others suffering with mental health issues such as PTSD and depression.

Historically, men have always been encouraged to be “tough” and to not show emotion when they are struggling, but this conditioning is incredibly outdated and unhealthy in my opinion. I want all men to feel comfortable in expressing their emotions and feel safe in asking for help when they are struggling.  I personally believe being able to be open and honest about the fact you are not OK and asking for help should be viewed as a strength and not a weakness. Having suffered with depression myself in the past, I know what it takes to acknowledge when you are in a dark place, and the graft involved in making a full recovery.

It’s important to open the dialogue around mental health issues in order to address the rise in male suicides, and I hope the Movember campaign will continue to be successful in achieving this. If it saves the life of even one man, then it will have been worth it.”

Thank you to everyone for their efforts in this year’s Movember, and to those that donated. We raised a total of £480 to support the cause.

There’s still time to donate which you can do via our page, here.

#TeamSouthWales