Close shave for Southsiders as Movember ends

A GROUP of Southsiders are hosting a Movember

‘Shave Off’ this month to get men talking about their health.

The men, who have all been directly affected in one way or another by prostate cancer, said the proceeds raised would go towards cancer research and treatment.

Speaking to the Southside People, Greg Dalton, from Templeogue, said he was passionate about raising awareness of the condition as his father had died from prostate cancer while his brother is currently undergoing treatment.

“A group of us got our heads together and decided to do the event this year,

? he explained.

“There are about 12 of us taking part. We’re hoping to raise awareness and get men talking about their health.

“Men often push aside things to do with their health, which can be dangerous. Some of them have an attitude that it would never happen to them.

?

Greg said his brother was currently being treated for prostate cancer.

“My brother, who is 58, is undergoing radiation treatment at the moment,

? he said.

“My dad passed away at 58 from the same thing. One of the men taking part is also recovering from prostate cancer. We’re asking everybody to come along to show their support. All of the local shopkeepers are talking about it. The pub is generally busy enough and we’re advertising the event in a number of places in Templeogue.

?

Local barber, Mark Brady, who works at Templeogue Barbers, is helping to organise the event. He is also trimming the moustaches of men who are taking part free of charge.

“We’ve had a great response so far,

? Mark said.

“We’ve put signs up in the barbers and we’ve been talking to customers and the local builders about taking part.

?

The event is set to take place on November 30 in the Templeogue Inn.

Funds raised on the night will go towards Action Prostate Cancer and the Irish Cancer Society.

The funds will support a broad range of innovative, world-class programmes in the areas of awareness, education, survivorship and research.

Movember’s Irish campaign raised

?¬1.7 million last year.

In total,

?¬92.4 million was raised globally during the 2011 campaign, an increase of e37.5 million over the previous year.

The campaign aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments.

Ireland became involved in the event four years ago, which was established in 2004. It has since spread across the world, from Australia to South Africa.

Other countries that are taking part include New Zealand, the US, the UK, Norway, Finland and Spain.

Further information can be found by logging on to www.movember.com.