Movember is the annual month-long challenge held throughout November, with Mo Bros growing moustaches and getting support for it, as well as Mo Sisters joining in too to raise money for men’s health awareness.
While growing a wonderful moustache, Louis Walker from Ossett is running a ‘double Movember marathon’. He aims to complete 2.2 mile runs every hour for 24 hours over the weekend.
Louis is concerned that globally, the rate of male suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men. Too many men are ‘toughing it out’, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence.
“I feel this is a great cause as men’s wellbeing gets easily overlooked because of the stigma attached to being strong, physically and mentally. Plus, it’s always great to take a back seat and learn more about what others are going through when we may not realise,” Mr Walker said.
Louis wanted to include a personal challenge as part of his fundraising.
“This goes for my professional and personal life too. I will race my son to the end of the supermarket aisle or whatever,” he said.
“Up until one year ago, I didn’t do that much. I was overweight and drank a lot socially. I never realised how much I did weigh as my career came first.”
“I am part of a local dad’s club that meets once a month and to help raise some funds, I gave myself six weeks to train for a triathlon. Since then I was hooked. I’ve lost over four stone and I’m hoping to complete an Ironman in the future.”
He would appreciate the company on the runs to get up momentum and awareness for the cause.
“Each hour I have a different friend running with me to keep me motivated. I’ve tried to encourage as many men as I can to come out and help me to raise funds and awareness,” Louis said.
You can get in touch with Louis and donate, via his Movember page: uk.movember.com/mospace/14311136.
