Content Warning: This article contains references to suicide.
As November comes to a close, many eyes at Exeter turn to the fundraising leaderboard for Movember, hoping the university can defend their reigning title – though Durham look like they’re putting up a tough fight this year. Whether you’ve noticed the surge in events, donation opportunities, or just the sheer amount of moustaches on campus, Movember has taken over Exeter once again, and it is no wonder why.
Always among the top universities for the sheer amount of money raised (if not at the absolute top), Exeter comes alive every November with society, community and individual efforts to support the cause for men’s health. In terms of numbers, the instagram page itself has over three thousand followers, while last year’s record was set at £125,276 and, as of 29 November, this year’s quota has already reached £98,224.
Exeter comes alive every November
There may not be a way of pinpointing exactly how the University of Exeter has come to be such an advocate for Movember, but perhaps its reputation as a sports uni has helped; with many male athletes speaking up in recent years about mental health struggles, it is only natural that such experiences should resonate with the Exeter crowd.
Besides the sports aspect, a commitment to investing in men’s health can only have grown in response to, and in tandem with efforts to raise awareness after the suicide of Exeter’s own Harry Armstrong Evans. Exeposé has committed to covering this, and the subsequent petition for Harry’s Law – which resonates deeply with Movember morals and aims.
For whatever reason, Movember fundraising is a point of pride for Exeter, and rightly so. We may not all be able to sport the moustache, but there’s no doubt that the university goes to incredible lengths every single year to support men’s health – here’s to topping that leaderboard this year too!
