RAF Shawbury take on the Movember challenge

The aim of Movember is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

Throughout the month of ‘Movember’ service personnel from the unit gave way to the modern day pressures of being a well groomed male. In awareness of men’s health, approximately 50 personnel were set the challenge of growing the best moustache in a month.

The event started on November 1st with all Mo Bro’s freshly shaven. From there on in, top lips were allowed to grow until 30th November when the best example of the carefully crafted masterpieces would be declared The Man of Movember.

There was some stiff competition at RAF Shawbury and some strange examples of what appeared to be facial hair on parade. However, the Station Commander, Group Captain Chris Luck, narrowed the Mo Bro’s down to 3 fine examples. Deciding between the final 3 was tough, however, the Man of Movember was finally chosen. Flying Officer Neil Cook, a student currently enrolled on the Joint Air Traffic Control Course, had crafted what can only be described as a true work of art. In 30 short days he had meticulously nurtured and maintained every follicle of growth which in turn earned him the title.

The Shawbury organiser, Corporal Mike Jones, said, ‘Neil was one of many throughout the RAF proud to wear the Man of Movember crown. It was pleasing that so many Station and Defence Helicopter Flying School Personnel joined servicemen nationwide to contribute towards the fund raising efforts and in total raised over £40,000 for the charity. The Station Warrant Officer is salivating at being able to walk around the Station on 1st December to ensure that all personnel are now cleanly shaven.’