This year Hutch is proudly supporting Movember, a charity that aims to shine a light on men’s health issues and get men talking more about their mental health. To help raise awareness, 6 of us are taking part in different ways over the coming month. Some of us are growing the best moustache we can muster, some of us are doing a push up and squat challenge - all over the course of 30 days! Here's Senior Artist, Charlotte to share why she's getting with Movember this year...

What are you doing for Movember?

Last year I ran 60km for Movember (60km for the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour across the world). This year I wanted a new challenge so I’m doing a push-up and squat challenge for the month, with 560 push ups and 1500 squats in total!

How’s it going?

It’s going well! I’m not going to lie, I’m struggling with the push-ups a lot more than the squats as I don’t have much upper body strength, but seeing the progress I’m making, upping the amount I’m doing each day, is really rewarding.

What inspired you to get involved with Movember this year?

I became aware of Movember years ago when a friend was unfortunately diagnosed with testicular cancer. Thankfully the NHS were quick with their diagnosis and he was in treatment within a matter of days. He encouraged all his friends and family to join in with Movember if they could, to help raise awareness. Not being able to grow a mo myself, but being able to help raise awareness in other ways, has been a priority of mine each year since.

Anything you’d like to share about the causes that Movember supports?

The way Movember has evolved through the years, branching out into other areas of men’s physical and mental health is so important. Here are just some of the men’s health causes Movember helps with:

• Testicular cancer is the #1 cancer among young men but when caught early, is highly treatable and highly curable. If you’re unsure how to check yourself Movember’s website has all the information you need - https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/testicular-cancer

• Globally, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with Prostate cancer each year. The difference between early detection and late detection can be life and death. When should you be talking to the doctor about PSA testing? Movember’s website has all the information on what you need to do and when - https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/prostate-cancer

• Spot a bro who’s feeling low - Men sometimes aren’t comfortable reaching out and opening up about life’s challenges – or they think they’ll be burdening their friends if they do. The first step in looking out for them is reaching out and being there to listen. Want to know how to support your friends? Movember’s website has a section on this too! https://uk.movember.com/mens-health/give-support

One of the most important things the Movember website does is that it gives information to not only those who are going through the above, but also how you can support your family member or friend during those times.

How do you feel when people donate?

Donating is especially hard this year and I appreciate everyone who is able to. A repost of an article or link can be just as beneficial to someone who is struggling. Get the word out and spread Movember’s message wide and loud. A friend of a friend may see it and it could change their life for the better.

Any words of encouragement for those who might be thinking of taking part next year?

Don’t be afraid to join in if you can’t grow a mo! There are plenty of challenges you’re able to join in with instead to help raise funds and awareness for Movember.

Stay tuned for our updates and find out more about our Movember, team here: https://uk.movember.com/team/2373778