Content Warning – Mention of suicide and cancer
Exeter’s student community is ending the month with remarkable ‘MO-mentum’ as this year’s Movember campaign draws to a close. Over the month of November, thousands of students, staff, and members of the local community have been raising money for Movember, a charity focused on male-related health issues — including suicide prevention, mental health support, and prostate and testicular cancer research.
As of November 26th, the University of Exeter continues to fluctuate its position as leader in the national Big Moustache on Campus Challenge, standing at an impressive £94,795. This reflects an astounding fundraising effort supported throughout the entire city of Exeter.
As of November 26th, the University of Exeter continues to fluctuate its position as leader in the nationalBig Moustache on Campus Challenge, standing at an impressive £94,795.
Exeter currently sits narrowly behind Durham University, pivoting continuously between first and second place this Movember. With Durham raising £96,394, UK university teams have collectively raised £1,226,160 as of November 26th.
In a statement last week, Movember ambassadors Ved, Leia, and Ashton expressed their pride in the campaign’s success, saying, “Movember is going great, raising over £70k, and we have been constantly in the 1st place position since day 1.”
Across the month, a series of student-led events has played a crucial role in boosting donations. 4Play Events, one of the main student nightlife companies, has hosted several nights that were “absolutely phenomenal,” according to Movember Exeter. These included a DirtyBeats takeover at Fever on November 6th and a special Timepieceevent on November 13th, involving not only 4Play but also student DJs, making it a fully community-driven effort.
Campus-wide participation has also been a defining feature of this year’s campaign. Movember Exeter hosted one of its biggest “Brave the Shave” events on November 5th, raising over £1,000 with the support of local barbers Nova Rose, Male Focus, Lukas Barbers and Prestige Barber Shop. Later in the month, the university community came together again for “Move for Mo” on November 17th, collectively covering over 1,000 kilometres. The turnout from sports teams across Exeter demonstrated just how deeply the campaign resonates on campus, highlighting a shared commitment to men’s mental and physical health.
While the competitive spirit has been strong, Exeter’s student ambassadors have emphasised that the core purpose of the campaign remains awareness. Movember’s mission extends far beyond moustache-growing. Every year, the charity raises awareness of the critical issues affecting men worldwide, including the alarming rate of male suicide, the impact of prostate and testicular cancer, and the stigma that still surrounds conversations about men’s mental health. The campaign encourages people to recognise early warning signs, engage in open conversations, and support loved ones who may be struggling.
Movember Exeter explained: “The reason we do so well year upon year is because we understand the true meaning of the cause. Movember was set up in 2003 by a group of mates looking out for each other. I think Exeter understands this and the importance we bring when raising money for this cause.”
“The reason we do so well year upon year is because we understand the true meaning of the cause. Movember was set up in 2003 by a group of mates looking out for each other. I think Exeter understands this and the importance we bring when raising money for this cause.”
Movember Exeter
The wider Exeter community has also played a vital role. One of the standout supporters this year has been The Victoria Inn, a popular pub with students described by Movember Exeter as their “biggest supporter.” The pub has hosted quizzes, Fight Night pre-drinks, after-parties, and the Big Auction — all in aid of the campaign. The Victoria Inn said these events have “brought people together not just to raise funds but to spark conversations and show that wellbeing matters.”
The pub also claims the campaign “resonates strongly with us, and it’s been inspiring to see the Exeter Uni students rally together in support for such an important cause.” Movember Exeter has extended its gratitude, stating the owners, Mark and Vic, “are absolute champions of the cause, allowing us to host Movember talks, interviews, auctions and pub quizzes.”
“(Movember events) have brought people together not just to raise funds but to spark conversations and show that wellbeing matters.”
Mark and Vic, The Victoria Inn
Third-year Exeter student Hector Greenwood, who works at the Victoria Inn, has been “crucial to the smooth operation of a lot of these events,” according to Movember Exeter. Hector said the pub prides itself on being “more than just a pub” and is the “hub of the community.”
Hector said the pub prides itself on being “more than just a pub” and is the “hub of the community.”
In a statement to Exeposé, he added that the team has “dedicated all our resources to assist Movember in their vital mission to raise both money and awareness for men’s mental and physical health.”
One of the biggest events Hector helped organise was the annual Movember Charity Auction, which raised over £1,700 and featured attendance from the Exeter City FC manager and local businesses. Royal Marines from Lympstone also joined, bidding on items of Hector’s clothing and even paying £220 to ‘have him’ for 24 hours the following Wednesday. While his “charitable efforts and loss of dignity” raised nearly £500 alone, the message from Hector and the Victoria Inn has remained clear – “This month we have and will continue to raise our glasses and raise awareness together.”
One of the biggest events Hector helped organise was the annual Movember Charity Auction, which raised over £1,700 and featured attendance from the Exeter City FC manager and local businesses.
Student societies and sports teams across campus have been instrumental in driving Exeter’s Movember success. Movember Exeter said, “One of the biggest parts of making our campaign so successful is our wonderful societies and sports teams — without their constant support, this campaign wouldn’t be what it is.”
Leading the charge is the Carthaginians, also known as Carthage, who have raised £15,830 as of November 26th. Founded in 2023 as a social sports group, the Carthaginians have become a major force within Movember Exeter for two consecutive years. For Carthage, Movember’s mission closely aligns with their own values.
Jack Cartwright, President of the Carthaginians, has stated, “It’s a fantastic charity to encourage men to band together and support one another. Social sport is the perfect medium for this, and we’ve created a tight-knit group of friends through our society.”
As part of their Movember efforts, the Carthage undertook a 24-hour-a-day rowingchallenge for an entire week on Forum Hill — amounting to 168 hours and covering over 1,887 kilometres, the distance from Exeter to Carthage, Tunisia. Completing the challenge successfully on 17th November, Jack commented that it was “about being a visible push for Movember, and placement on forum hill helped enormously with this to encourage passers-by to come and have conversations about the charity.”
The Carthage aren’t stopping there, as they aim to complete ‘the 10 tors.’ This challenge includes a 2-day, 40-mile trek between 10 tors on Dartmoor, which they have described as a “Devon-based recreation of Hannibal’s legendary crossing of the Alps.” It comes with a catch – they will be completing it in elephant costumes for “historical accuracy.”
Looking back on their efforts this month, Jack has said, “It means much more when awareness has been spread, as that is a large part of what the charity targets. Essentially, keep talking about these things and keep up the amazing fundraising effort across the uni.”
“It means much more when awareness has been spread, as that is a large part of what the charity targets. Essentially, keep talking about these things and keep up the amazing fundraising effort across the uni.”
Jack Cartwright, President of the Carthaginians
Ultimately, this year’s campaign has shown that Exeter’s success is not defined by its position on the national leaderboard, but by the strength of the community behind it. With students, societies, local businesses, and individuals all contributing in their own way and collaboratively, Movember at Exeter has once again proved how powerful community action can be in raising money and awareness.
