MOVEMBER is in full swing this November and a Winchster sports club is getting behind the campaign to raise awareness of men's health.
Winchester RFC are raising money for Movember and, as part of its fundraising activities, it will be auctioning two tickets to England vs Japan at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium.
The tickets will be auctioned off at the team's home game lunch on Saturday, November 16 and the club warns silent bids are already at £250.
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Winchester director of rugby, Matt Stagg said: "One silent challenge that impacts a number of our men centres around their mental health.
"There are a wide variety of reasons, but fundamentally some can feel isolated due to this challenge in their personal life. An uncomfortable statistic that we can't avoid is that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 with nearly 3/4 of all suicides being men."
Matt said the rugby club provides more than just a 'tough and physical sport' to its members, many of whom have been through significant challenges and life-changing support.
"Always having an open door, being accessible and accepting to all is massively important at Winchester Rugby Club. Consciously making it 'ok to not be ok' and providing a friendship network with physical fitness and comradery is so very very important.
"Couple this with the opportunity to grow awesome moustaches and generate funds to help raise awareness is a win-win!"
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Movember was founded in 2003 but has since grown into a global movement attracting millions of people to get involved.
According to Movember it has, "Funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects around the world, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men."
Within Winchester, the rugby club assert they have partnered with Bonds Barbers, Alfies and The Wykeham Arms.
Winchester will also hold a 'Shave Off' party at the Wykeham Arms on November 30, where there will also be a raffle and an auction.
You can help support the Winchester Rugby 20 'Mo Bros' by sponsoring them or going to either event and bidding on the auction items.
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