STUDENTS from Falmouth and Exeter have rallied together to raise funds and awareness for Movember, the global charity dedicated to improving men’s mental health and supporting prostate and testicular cancer research.

Three student-led societies took part, including Camborne School of Mines (CSM) Men’s hockey, CSM men’s rugby and Cornwall Med Soc raising a combined total of £5,590.

CSM men’s hockey threw themselves into Movember by growing out their moustaches, taking part in fun runs around Falmouth and completing their own individual challenges. 19 students participated, covering a combined distance of 800km and raising an impressive £3,078.

CSM men’s rugby added a further £2,472 to the pot, with thirty members taking part. The team began the month with a talk on why the campaign matters to the club before they committed to embracing the month-long Movember moustache.

They boosted fundraising through weekly pub quizzes and marked donation milestones with group runs, from climbing Jacob’s Ladder in Falmouth to longer routes around local fields.

“We raised for Movember because we believe in the message behind it,” said Thomas Hayes, CSM men’s rugby charity officer. “Our aim was to raise awareness and show support so that if any of the boys in or out the club feel like they need to talk they won’t hesitate to reach out.”

Cornwall Med Soc joined the efforts by organising a 5km run to raise awareness and support for the charity. The society raised £40 for the charity.

Speaking on this year’s Movember activities, Angela Novell, the Students’ Union CEO, emphasised how valuable it is to see students taking the lead on meaningful campaigns.

“This demonstrates the incredible power of our societies who have not only raised vital funds for men’s health and wellbeing but have also raised awareness. We are incredibly proud of their efforts.”