Fundraising high-flyers

Bedford School’s top-flight Movember campaign takes our breath away

Hats off, or should that be moustaches on, to Bedford School for its astoundingly successful Movember campaign. This gathered so much momentum it exceeded all fundraising targets, coming first (of 603 teams) in the UK school’s challenge and ranking in the top 20 of all teams. As Head Master James Hodgson put it in his final assembly of term: “We were in 15th place, ahead of Visa Europe and behind the Aston Martin Formula 1 team!” Bedford also earned ‘mo bro of the week’ status at Movember HQ in the third week of November.

The student-led campaign focused on raising general awareness of mental wellbeing among young men – including the high global rates of male suicide – as well as key health issues such as testicular cancer. The Upper Sixth, known affectionately as the MoBros, led the campaign with verve, sported their taches with flair and distinction and helped to inspire a wild and wonderful round of fundraisers among pupils, parents and wider community. As a perfect marker for the importance of the campaign, the school’s white line painting suppliers Turf Tank UK painted a giant white tache on the school’s 1st XV pitch.

Standout publicity for the whole campaign was delivered via a three-minute spoof video with serious messages, which the boys produced and starred in. This paid homage to two generations of

Top Gun – the video had received over 2,000 views on YouTube by the time December came around. The MoBros led assemblies for Bedford Prep boys and at Bedford Girls’ School talking about the campaign and reinforcing the message that showing emotions and talking about your feelings is really important. They also delivered lessons to younger boys in the Upper School, covering a wide range of issues around health and wellbeing. Fundraising activities included the school’s cherished annual Tug of War, bake-off style contests, dodge ball tournaments, an open mic night and ‘longest drive’ golf contests, plus a silent auction the boys set up and sourced themselves. The final fundraising tally was £14,272, smashing the original target of £10,000. MoBros of Bedford School, you take our breath away.