STAFF at the Grove Medical Practice in Sherborne have raised an impressive amount for Movember this year.

£3,700 was raised in total over the month as eight members of staff grew out their moustaches throughout November.

Money was raised for the Movember charity, which raises awareness of men’s mental health issues as well as prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

“Supporting men’s health is a serious issue, one which is often ignored, sidelined or forgotten,” said Dr Charlie Middle, senior partner at the Grove.

“Big boys don’t cry. They hide their illnesses –cancers and depression, often with fatal consequences.”

Movember hit a little closer to home for Dr Lucius Covell as two of his family members were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

He said: “Movember is more than a gimmick – it supports men’s health charities and health research and allows all of us to think about the fragility of our family members, especially the men in the family, and to support their wellbeing.

“Raising awareness is crucial as is encouraging men to talk about their mental health. Testicular and prostate cancer risks are so important.

“Death by suicide is a leading cause of death in men aged 18-54, often in violent and shocking ways.

“This is why we at the Grove Medical Centre in Sherborne adopt Movember every year to raise funds to support the charity.”