Stirling students raise record £52k for Movember

University of Stirling students worked together to raise a record-breaking £52,264 for men’s health charity Movember last month.

Seven Stirling students posing beside each other in front of the campus loch

A total of 774 students from 75 sports clubs and societies were involved in the campaign, which aimed not only to raise money for charity, but to highlight the importance of men’s health.

The amount raised surpassed the University’s target of £40,000 and resulted in Stirling achieving platinum status as a university, placing 1st in Scotland and 9th in the UK in the Big Moustache on Campus Challenge.

A variety of student-led fundraising activities took place in November to support the drive, including the Ceilidh at County event organised by the Movember Committee – with all 300 tickets selling out in 12 hours.

The committee comprised ambassadors Patrick Chung (Men's Rugby) and Archie MacColl-Smith (Badminton); Kai Baxter (Shinty); Sarah Turnbull (Shinty, Women's Hockey, Fencing, Paramedic Society); Marcus Scullion (Tennis); Jon Dobel (Triathlon); Aidan Pittendrigh (Men's Hockey); and Isadora Barbosa Fernandes (Basketball).

Reflecting on the campaign, Patrick said: “Working alongside Archie and the committee has been fantastic, making this record-breaking year possible.

“Movember truly united our community at Stirling. Our goal was to make this year as accessible and inclusive as possible, which elevated our campaign. Five core events shifted the focus from individual efforts to a collective one, and the results were spectacular, driving the University to a 158% increase in funds raised.”

Archie added: “We want to say thank you to everyone who made this possible. The traction we achieved wouldn’t have been possible without the support of everyone at the university. While changing men’s health won’t happen overnight, movements like this make the process much easier."

Sports Union President Laura Shaw praised the collective effort and said: “It's really great the way clubs and societies have come together to provide support for one another and raise awareness.

“I think Stirling being a campus-based university has really contributed to our success, you see everyone every day and I also think it's easier to base some of the challenges around our campus.

“Staff have also been really supportive in helping facilitate some of the teams’ challenges and that has contributed to the success of achieving these goals.”

Movember is a global charity focused on three major men’s health issues: testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and suicide prevention. Each November it runs its annual Movember campaign to support its work. Find out more about Movember on its website.