Barking Space

I have been given the great honour of being nominated for an award for the 2026 Mo Awards “Mightiest Mo”.

I feel very humbled by this, and I thought I would write about why I do this – just as a refresher.

I’ve been taking part in Movember for seventeen years now, and every year I’m reminded that this isn’t just a fundraiser for me — it’s a commitment. It’s a promise I made to the people I’ve lost, the people I love, and the people who are still fighting.

I do Movember because men in my life have died too young. Because I have watched friends struggle in silence. Because I’ve carried my own moments of anxiety, shame, and self‑doubt. Because I know how heavy it can feel to be the one who’s “fine” all the time.

I do Movember because talking about men’s health — mental and physical — shouldn’t be rare or brave or unusual. It should be completely normal, expected, and something we do for each other without hesitation.

I do Movember because of JP, who was an important part of my support network and is no longer here. Because of the men whose names I carry with me every November. Their stories deserve to be remembered, and their absence should mean something.

I do Movember because community matters. Every year, hundreds of people show up — friends, family, colleagues, strangers — and together we have built something bigger than any single one of us. Over seventeen years, that community has helped raise more than $100,000. This number isn’t mine – it belongs to everyone who believed in the cause, shared a post, donated a few dollars, or reached out to say, “I’m with you.”

I do Movember because men deserve better outcomes, better conversations, and better chances. And if growing a ridiculous moustache, having fun with photos, and telling honest stories helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth every moment.

I may not be able to attend the Gala in person, but I’m deeply honoured by the nomination. Movember has helped shape me, it has challenged me, and it has connected me to people in ways I never expected. I’m grateful for every single person who has walked this journey with me.

Make no mistake – I’ll keep showing up — for the men we’ve lost, the men we love, and the men who still need us.

Filed under: Announcements, Convos, Friends, General Dialogue, Movember | Tagged: anxiety, Brother, Cancer, depression, Friend, Friends, Health, Life, Love, Memorial, Men's Health, Men's Mental Health, Mental Health, mo awards, Movember, movember 2025, Prostate Cancer, Remembrance, suicide prevention, testicular cancer, Writing |