Bedford and Kempston MP Mohammad Yasin is growing a moustache this month as part of Movember 2025, the annual campaign raising funds and awareness for men’s health issues, including prostate and testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.
His campaign, titled ‘Sponsor Mo’s Mo to Change the Face of Men’s Health’, aims to raise £1,166, a target inspired by the year King Henry II granted Bedford its first charter.
Throughout November, the Labour MP hopes his new look will start conversations about men’s health and help fund vital research and support services.
Read: New mental health initiative at Bedford Athletic RFC aims to tackle wellbeing stigma in rugby
Yasin said: “This Movember, I’m growing a moustache to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Men continue to face major health challenges that are often preventable.
On average, they die nearly five years earlier than women, and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50.
“By sponsoring my new look, people will be helping to fund vital research, life-saving programmes, and real conversations that make a difference in the lives of men everywhere.
“I’m doing this for all the dads, brothers, sons and mates in our lives, because every contribution counts.”
Focus on men’s health
Yasin also welcomed progress towards the UK’s first-ever National Men’s Health Strategy, due to be published in 2026 following last year’s government partnership with Movember.
“This long-overdue initiative is a vital step forward,” he said. “It aims to tackle health inequalities head-on and ensure men’s health finally receives the focus and action it deserves.”
Read: Bedford teachers encourage the Borough to sing and dance through the winter blues
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer among men over 45, while testicular cancer is most common in younger men. Both can be successfully treated when detected early.
Since its founding in 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,300 men’s health projects worldwide, improving research, early diagnosis and mental health support.
Join the mo-vement
“Growing a moustache might seem small,” added Yasin, “but it’s a simple, visible way to start big conversations about health. If one person checks in with a friend, seeks help, or gets diagnosed earlier because of this, it’s worth every whisker.”
To help Yasin reach his £1,166 goal, donations can be made via his fundraising page.
