“During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.” – http://uk.movember.com/

We’re very proud that six of our staff members have taken up the challenge and are willing to withstand awful facial itchiness, unending teasing and the screams of little children who see them…all to raise money for this great cause!

Striking a pose at BLD Headquarters in Ringwood. From left: Ranti Endeley, David Butcher, Stephen Williams, Jon Wilde, David Masters and Yannis Freeman.

For some, this is an issue close to home and for others they simply are keen to raise awareness for something that affects so many men. Let’s take a closer look at BLD’s Men of Movember:

Yannis Freeman, aka Yanni Boy, has been with BLD since 2008 and is currently working his mad skillz in the world of First Notification of Loss (FNOL). He is the only one in the group to have a magical moustache which is only visible under a microscope or infrared light. His favourite bike is a Honda VTX 1300 and view on life is best summed up by music legend Frank Zappa, “Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is the best.” To donate to Yannis and his magical moustache, click HERE

“Round Head” David Masters is BLD’s Head Trainer and lead Virgo. Dave receives a variety of reactions to his ever-increasing ‘tache: he gets a lot of wary stares, has been told it looks like a slug, others say he looks rather, shall we say, seedy. Most people cross the street to avoid him, which he claims is only a recent occurrence. None of this deters Dave for his passion for the cause because he believes there isn’t enough information on men’s health issues. He also gets enthusiastic when speaking about bikes and has always fancied owning a Honda Black Bird. To donate to David’s “slug” moustache, click HERE.

David Butcher is a new addition to BLD and is already well into the swing of things in the FNOL department where Yannis also works. To some, David seems to have a leg up on the others since is known to be a hairy beast whatever the month (the dude is hairy!) Since growing his moustache at the beginning of November, “Butch” can’t count the number of times he’s been told, “Wow, you look like your Dad!” His favourite motorcycle is a blue and silver Yamaha R1 and his motto is, “Life is one big road with lots of signs, so when you’re riding through the ruts, don’t complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Put your vision to reality….wake up and live!” Well if you’re awake and want to donate to David’s moustache, click HERE.

Jon Wilde, a Technical Claims Negotiator, has been with BLD since 2005. Jon is a man of few words but is truly a man of action: he has been offered a donation of £1000 if he has his photo taken in a “mankini” sporting his moustache…and have it posted both on the Movember and Facebook website. Is he going to do this? Absolutely! To donate to his moustache, click HERE

Ranti Endeley is one of the elder statesmen of our group having been with BLD for over 6 years.  He works as a Technical Claims Negotiator and is doing Movember to raise awareness of prostate cancer and for men to get themselves checked. Ranti regularly rocks the facial hair better than anyone at BLD but is making an extra special effort for this great cause. Fun fact: he has the most infectious laugh in all of Ringwood and people travel from all over Hampshire hoping to hear it. To donate to Ranti’s moustache (and his laugh if you so feel moved), please click HERE:

Stephen Williams is the veteran of the group with this being the second year participating in Movember. When it comes to anything to do with hair, Stephen’s your man! Stephen, who also answers to the name “Big Show” is a Mitigation Claims Handler Extraordinaire (it’s true, you can check his business card) is famous among the halls of BLD for his ability to grow the most amazing afros. The strangest reaction he’s had to his growing moustache is simply, “Can I touch it?” but if you saw it in person, you, too, would feel its power. If you would like to support Stephen’s Movember campaign, please click HERE

How many think Jon should pose with the mankini & moustache on the BLD track bike?

We are proud of these BLD men who are stepping up to the challenge and say thank you in advance to all of you for your donations to support this great cause!

UPDATE: Congratulations to the guys who raised over £2200 for their effort!

Tags: BLD staff, movember, support