A FIREFIGHTER has persuaded his colleagues to grow moustaches in a bid to raise awareness of the disease that claimed the life of his father.

Rob Gudgeon and colleagues from White Watch at Acomb fire station will be growing the facial hair next month as part of the Movember campaign aimed at increasing awareness of prostate cancer.

Rob’s father, Maurice Gudgeon, 77, died on September 28 after battling the disease for three years.

“He was a family man and very kind,” Rob said. “He would do anything for anyone, and it is a great loss he has gone.” After hearing about Movember, Rob decided to join in and raise awareness of the disease and funds for The Prostate Cancer Charity – and persuaded his colleagues to join him. He said: “I heard about the Movember campaign from my daughter Rachel’s fiancée who did it last year.

“The rules are simple – start Movember on November 1 cleanshaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month.

“It becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men”.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as we possibly can for charity, whilst having some competition on who can grow the biggest moustache, or the most flamboyant and which moustache will raise the most money,” he said. “I’m hoping to sport a handlebar moustache.”

Rob and his team have already raised £185 – but are appealing for help from the public to help them raise more.

To sponsor the team, visit uk.movember.com