Breakfast takes it off for Movember!

Sex. Sport. Work. Children. We can spend hours talking about these. However, when it comes to men’s health issues, researchers say not many guys are willing to engage in a positive discussion around the subject. 

 
That’s gradually changing though, thanks to inspiring campaigns like Movember. Men around the world dedicate this month to raising awareness around prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. They do so by shaving their faces on 1 November. They spend the rest of the month growing and grooming a moustache.  
 
As the tache extends closer to their ears, men chat with each other about important health issues and share encouraging stories or advice with friends. 
 
The East Coast Breakfast men are putting their money where their mouths are. They’ve all removed their facial hair for Movember and have promised not to use a razor for the entire month. Meet the team below and read about why they’ve decided to get involved in the campaign. 
 
Darren Maule, East Coast Breakfast host

Alain Tardin, our sports anchor

Gabriel Sithole, our driver and co-host

 Kevin Minter-Brown, our stunt guy

George Thorne, our producer

Michael Zuma, our technical producer

We asked these guys why they decided to get on board:

Darren Maule:
I have yet to meet someone in my life who has not, in some way, been affected by cancer. There is such a stigma to cancer and the biggest misconception is that once you have it you are going to die. This is not so. To date though the biggest offensive against this disease is early detection. And the best way to do that is to constantly remind and educate about how to identify symptoms and what steps to take. And the best way to educate is through engagement. I am engaging in getting myself out of my comfort zone and growing my least favourite patch of hair on my entire body.
 
Alain Tardin:
I’ve got to say, for me, the main reason is not only to have a cool Hogan look once a year but to also support the real meaning of Movember. My grandad who I was really close to passed away from cancer so doing this is a definite must for me. 
 
Gabriel Sithole:
It's that time of the year where I can play a part in raising awareness about testicular cancer. Having had my father die from throat cancer and my younger brother from Leukemia...it's a no brainer for me to spare a thought to those living with cancer. 

George Thorne: 

Men, traditionally, do not look after themselves, and tend to avoid dealing with health issues. Movember highlights key men’s health issues without making us cringe. And the more we talk about these issues, the more lives we will save.  

Kevin Minter-Brown:
I was instructed to by the team.

Michael Zuma:
Admittedly for me, it started out as a new, fun initiative in aid of a male-specific sickness that also promoted a spirit of camaraderie, which from my perspective, affects men from most if not all walks of life. I helped a friend of mine rally enough votes for a 'best mo' competition' that eventually won him a highly acclaimed custom crafted surfboard. After he won we saw each other pretty much every day, but sadly, to this day, I've never seen the board. Later though, after reading up on the founding principles, the cause got real for me and today, after having lost a dear friend to cancer three months ago, I am fully behind participating to increase awareness and promote early detection.
 
Have you grown a full moustache before?
 
Darren Maule:
Once! For Movember two years ago! It's taken me that long to recover from the last one. When you see my mo you'll understand. My face becomes a socio-anthropological study. The grey reveals the age, the red reveals the Scottish decent. And the thick patches of hair are evidence of a recessive Neanderthal gene.
 
Alain Tardin:
I actually do the full mo every year during Movember but I go for the more stylish styles over the traditional mo. I look like a bit like an unsavoury character with that traditional moustache look.
 
Gabriel Sithole:
 Yip, 2 years ago 

Kevin Minter-Brown:
Nope, never ever grown a tache! It's going to be really odd, I don't think it'll suit me at all
 
George Thorne:

Yes, and tend to grow a beard even when Movember is not a reason. Hate shaving!

Michael Zuma:
Yes. Several times. Each time felt more epic than before.
 
What can we expect to see at the end of Movember? A cave man or Justin Bieber?
 
Darren Maule:
My face will be patchy, so it will be a blend of baby face with invasion of multi-coloured stubble. I will look like a first year beautician lost a bet and had to wax me blindfolded.
 
Alain Tardin:
There’s more chance of me falling pregnant via wind pollination than having the whole Justin Bieber look. Definitely more of a caveman, rough and rugged look. Think Vin Diesel in A Man Apart.
 
Gabriel Sithole:

A member of the village people 

Kevin Minter-Brown:
I think you'll see a caveman/Bieber cross!
 
George Thorne:

Neither, cave men had no style. And neither does Justin Bieber! Aiming more for Salvador Dali.

Michael Zuma:
My dream is to go full next-level Neanderthal, with the hope that I may be (at the very least) even vaguely be associated with my mentor and bestest buddy, Gorgeous George.

If you are keen to get involved in Movember and have no idea how, check out the rule here: