EVERY day 12 men take their own lives in this country.
Three out of four suicides are by men, making it the biggest killer of males under the age of 45 in the UK.
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That’s why thousands of motorcyclists will be taking to the roads this weekend to raise awareness for men’s health charity, Movember.
The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride is the first in a series of events building up to the charity’s month-long fundraiser in November – challenging men to grow moustaches.
Mental health is not the charity’s only focus.
They also raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer – urging men to learn the signs of both diseases and keep an eye out.
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Mo Bro, Ben Bowers, who has faced testicular cancer, is among those taking part in this Sunday’s ride.
He told The Sun Online: “Having very recently lost a friend to suicide, I for one am fully committed to spreading the message and hopefully help to create a world where men are free and empowered to talk about the tough stuff, so we don’t lose more lives needlessly.
I for one am fully committed to spreading the message and hopefully help to create a world where men are free and empowered to talk about the tough stuff, so we don’t lose more lives needlessly
Ben Bowers
“Come rain or shine, Sunday will see a group committed to helping men live happier, longer lives.
“I know personally how important these causes are and I continue to be inspired by the community around the world who not only turn up to ride but who actively promote these important messages and greatly contribute to encouraging more open conversations.”
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Riding alongside Ben, will be The Sun’s digital marketing director, Paul Hood, who will lead a 12-strong team from News UK, which also include TalkRadio’s Matthew Wright.
Paul said: “The stats are shocking. One man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer, while more than 333,000 are living with the disease.
“Twelve men a day take their own lives, it’s the biggest killer of men under 45.
“We want to do our bit supporting the Movember Foundation, which is why we’re taking part.”
Every November the charity encourages men to grow their moustache to raise money to fund research and support for men facing prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues.
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Now, in its 12th year, the global charity has already helped fund 1,250 innovative men’s health projects across 20 countries.
Men who want to take part this year just have to sign up at the Movember Foundation website, and start the month with a cleanly shaven face.
After that, it’s as simple as letting your moustache grow.
Gaz Aldafai, general manager of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, said: “We have come a long way since it was taboo to even mention suicide or the fact that people still thought a test for prostate caner meant a finger in the backside.
“People are starting to talk about men’s health issues, but it’s only the beginning.
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“Men are still dying too young, for largely preventable reasons.
“The conversation needs to continue in every sphere of people’s lives.
“That’s why we’re proud at DGR that we as a motorcycle community are doing our bit to lend a hand to that discussion.”
Sun readers can help the riders to raise awareness and much-needed funds for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research by sponsoring them here
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