At Oxygen Finance, Movember isn’t just about growing moustaches (although we’re doing plenty of that) – it’s about movement, mental health, and making a difference. This year, 34 Oxygenites have committed to embracing the “move” in Movember, taking on challenges that range from daily walks to staggering step counts and intense workout schedules. Together, we’ve accomplished something remarkable: over 4.2 million steps so far!

To put that into perspective, we’ve walked enough to travel from our Birmingham office to our northernmost client in Aberdeenshire and back – five times over. Or we could head all the way to Sicily’s Capo Passero to soak in the sun! That’s 15,840,000 bananas laid end-to-end or the calorie equivalent of munching through 3,600 chicken nuggets. It’s not just about distance – it’s about the strength, energy, and motivation behind every step.

What Movember Means to Us

In 1999, a group of young men in Adelaide coined the term “Movember” with the idea of growing moustaches for charity throughout the month of November. The group, which started with just 80 men from South Australia, soon became a nationwide phenomenon. Over twenty years ago, The Movember Foundation came to fruition. It has since funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects globally.

The charity focuses on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Prostate Cancer, and Testicular Cancer, aiming to “change the face of men’s health.” Suicide remains the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 – an alarming and heartbreaking statistic.

With over 6 million people now involved in the Movember movement, there is hope for positive change, breaking down gender stereotypes, and fostering compassion. Men need to talk too!

At Oxygen, Movember is an opportunity to shine a light on these issues and encourage open, honest conversations. Here’s what some of our colleagues have shared about their motivations for taking part:

	Matt Walton
	“Movember is close to my heart because it shines a spotlight on men’s health issues that often don’t get enough attention, like mental health, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. I feel that these are topics many men find difficult to talk about, which can lead to challenges being faced alone or without proper support. By taking part, I want to do my bit to normalise those conversations and encourage people to check in with themselves and each other, whether that’s through physical health checks or just having open, honest chats about how they’re doing. It’s also a great way to bring people together for a shared cause that really matters.”
	Achilleas Kouventaras
	“I was introduced to the Movember movement by last year’s initiative led by Alistair at Oxygen. I am moved – or rather shocked – by the following statistics. The latest UK suicide figures show that, on average, around 6,000 people take their own lives every year. Three-quarters of them are men. And also that suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, and the leading cause of death for young people under 35. I find it really hard to comprehend these figures, and in many aspects, I can understand and feel the societal pressures that act upon us all and are one of the main causes of mental health issues. On a more personal note, I am also joining Movember because I recently had a cancer scare myself and want to help raise awareness of cancer prevention.”
	Henry Sherratt
	“It’s not my first time doing Movember and each time I’ve done it for men’s mental health. Suicide rates are at the highest they’ve been since WW2 and men are disproportionately affected; I think it’s quite common for men especially to suffer in silence until it’s too late, rather than get the help they need. Movember’s a great opportunity to raise awareness and get people talking about it more whilst also looking a bit silly.”
	Absar Syed
	“My motivation for taking on this Movember challenge comes from a personal place. It’s my way of making up for all the times I couldn’t show up for myself – when health scares and anxiety kept me from living the active life I wanted. This is my reminder to myself, and to anyone struggling, that no matter how hard it feels now, this too shall pass. This journey isn’t just about steps or gym sessions; it’s about resilience, hope, and believing in better days ahead.”

Leading the charge, Absar has committed to an extraordinary goal: 500,000 steps (250 miles) and five weekly weight training sessions. His journey reminds us that Movember is not just about physical activity but also about mental resilience, hope, and community.

Join the Movement

It’s clear that the Movember movement is creating a lasting impact. But the fight isn’t over. As we lace up our trainers and share our stories, let’s remember the importance of supporting men’s health – not just in November, but every month.

Please consider donating to this worthy cause by clicking on this link or using the QR code below. Together, we can take steps – literally and figuratively – toward a healthier, more supportive future for men everywhere.