Movember 2018: UK rules, charities and why you should grow a moustache this November

Next month marks the start of Movember, when men worldwide ditch the razors and grow moustaches to fundraise for men's health.

During the month-long moustache-growing event, men are encouraged to sport upper lip hair throughout November to raise funds and awareness for cancer and men's mental health.

What is Movember?

The Movember Foundation is tackling men's health on a global scale. Its aim is to reduce the number of men dying prematurely by 25 per cent by 2030.

First launched in 2003 by a group of around 30 men in Melbourne, Australia, Movember soon spread to other countries and by 2006 was in North America.

It now has nearly five million participants from at least 21 countries annually, and has raised more than £134 million worldwide since its launch with many big names also getting in on the act.

To participate in Movember, men are encouraged to shave their existing beards or moustaches and grow a moustache for the month of November - all while raising funds for men's health research.

Which charities does the Movember Foundation support?

The Movember Foundation puts this money towards research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention of men.

Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women and every year 10,000 men die of prostate cancer - that's one per hour.

How to get involved in Movember

Once you've registered you will have to decide if you want to do the event solo, or with a team.

You can host parties to compare facial growth amongst your friends while there are also events you can take part in - and don't forget to ask your friends and family to sponsor you.

What are the rules for Movember?

Participants must start with a clean shave on October 31 and provide a "before photo" - and no beards are allowed, meaning you can't join your 'tache to your sideburns or chin hair.

You must then grow your lip hair over the next 30 days, with kudos given to unusual moustaches, before taking a photo of it on November 30.

Women can wear false moustaches at parties and fun runs.