A MAN from Weardale has become a new Community Ambassador for the moustache-growing men’s health charity, Movember.

Mark Pattison from Frosterley, has been raising funds and awareness for Movember over the last 12 years, following his diagnosis with testicular cancer, the most common cancer in young men, which in most cases has a positive outcome if detected.

The Movember Foundation’s goal is to help men live happier, healthier, longer lives, and money raised goes towards funding vital men’s health programmes with a focus on testicular cancer and prostate cancer, as well as men’s mental health.

Mr Pattison’s new role is centred around fundraising, hosting events, engaging with the local community, and raising awareness of these important health issues.

He has even received the support of Game of Thrones actor, Ben Crompton, who has sent out a video message, on Instagram, championing Mr Pattison’s fundraising and awareness activities.

Mr Pattison will also be hosting a ‘Walk and Talk 4 Men’ event in Hamsterley Forest on Sunday 17 November, to encourage more men to look after their mental fitness as well as their physical fitness, and to enjoying a stroll through the woods and a safe environment to offload if needed. He will also be available to deliver presentations and support throughout the month of Movember and beyond.

This year, Mr Pattison’s fundraising activities are particularly in memory of his father, Derek Pattison, who lost his own battles with cancer earlier this year and is encouraging as many people to have fun doing good. He said: “I've been involved with Movember for 12 years since being diagnosed with testicular back in 2007, but this year's campaign is very much in memory of my dad, who we lost six months ago.”

During November men are encouraged to grow a ‘Mo’ throughout the campaign, and if you can’t grow a moustache, you can ‘Move for Movember’ by walking or running 60km throughout the month or host a fundraising event of your own.

For more details on the ‘Walk and Talk’ event, or if you are planning to fundraise this Movember and would like Mark’s support visit: http://mobro.co/markashleypatt or email Mark at: markashleypattison@gmail.com