STAWELL’S Kieran Ryan has been out and about in the Wimmera this week trying to change the face of men’s health.
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Mr Ryan is an ambassador for Movember, an annual event that raises money for and awareness of depression as well as health conditions specific to men, such as prostate and testicular cancer.
This year he has launched The Wimmera’s Movember Project to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue, the national depression initiative.
His aim is to have a Mo Bro or Mo Sista in every workplace and sporting group in the Wimmera.
Mr Ryan spent the week drumming up support for the project behind the wheel of a Movember Mini Cooper.
‘‘I’ve been lucky enough to be given a Movember Mini for the next week-and-a-half to use as a driving billboard,’’ he said.
Mr Ryan is running a ‘spot and snap’ competition and will be handing out prizes at random.
‘‘If you see the Movember Mini out and about, take a photo, upload it on Instagram and tag #thewimmerasmovemberproject,’’ he said.
Mr Ryan said it was pleasing to see Movember gain momentum in the Wimmera.
He said the initiative was big in Hobart, which transformed into ‘Mobart’ for the annual Point to Pinnacle event at the weekend.
Mr Ryan has competed in the world’s toughest half-marathon for the past two years.
This year he was joined by fellow Mo Bros Tom Cashin, Leo Bell and Jonno Milosevic.
The event starts at Wrest Point Casino and climbs 1270 metres to the pinnacle of Hobart’s iconic Mt Wellington.
‘‘It’s pretty daunting,’’ Mr Ryan said.
‘‘The other boys had never done it before and when they first saw Mt Wellington, they all went a bit white in the face.
‘‘They’re all footballers, not runners, so it was great to see them put themselves out of their comfort zone to raise awareness of men’s health issues.’’
The Wimmera group was among 30 to 40 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas competing in the event, which supports the Movember cause.
‘‘It was amazing,’’ Mr Ryan said.
‘‘The streets of central Hobart were lined with people cheering us on and waving signs.
‘‘The Mo Bros have a big presence in Hobart. There are mos spray-painted on the road, which help spur you on.
‘‘There’s also great camaraderie. No one leaves until the last Mo Bro or Mo Sista crosses the finish line.’’
The Wimmera’s Movember Project has 69 registered members and has raised more than $6500 so far.
‘‘It’s inspiring to see so many people signed up and raising money,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve got a friend in Canberra, who used to live here, who has raised $500. He’s growing a mo and rattling the tins for men’s health,’’ he said.
Mr Ryan said many Mo Bros and Mo Sistas had organised their own fundraising events.
Mo Bros Nev Routley and Matt McDonald will donate the commission from the first pen of lambs they sell at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange next week.
Neilly’s Cafe in Stawell will host a Movember day on Friday next week. It will feature Movember-themed food and a percentage of the profits will go to the Movember project.
Mr Ryan said Mo Sista Ashleigh Dark organised a group walk up the Pinnacle at Halls Gap earlier in the month.
‘‘We had music, cold drinks and Movember merchandise. It was a lot of fun,’’ he said.
Mr Ryan said people could visit http://au.movember.com/mospace/ and search The Wimmera’s Movember Project to make a donation.
The Wimmera’s Movember Project will culminate with a gala party at Lillies and Lattes in Stawell on November 29.