Local Mo-bro on the brink of stardom
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Local Mo-bro on the brink of stardom
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It has been a long month for dozens of Mo-bros and their ever supportive Mo-sistas, but the day has finally come when razors can be sharpened and money can be counted.
That's right, it's 30 November and the last day of the increasingly popular Movember which raises money and awareness of men's health issues, in particular depression and prostate cancer.
And while all participants band together for the cause, the underlying rivalry between Port Douglas and Mossman has come to a head with our northern neighbours streets ahead in the fundraising stakes.
Mossman captain, Bryce Madgwick, put it eloquently, "We're just better than them." And with over $8,000 raised to Port's $6,000 the figures speak for themselves.
Port's final tally has been given a significant boost by one team member who has risen above all others, and is set to become the Cairns region's highest fundraiser.
Graeme Lees Smith looks likely to top the $4,000 milestone, an incredible individual achievement and one that has set him apart from the 2,230 other Mo-bros in our area (at the time of writing Graeme was $460 ahead of his nearest fundraising rival).
The secret of his success and motivation could be his close connection with the causes Movember raises money for.
"My dad has had prostate cancer over the last 12 months and has been undergoing treatment," Graeme said. "He could grow a mo because he's on hormone therapy, so he has asked his mates to support me."
He said that using other people's networks and putting a personal touch on his fundraising efforts has helped elevated him to the top of the tree.
"I tell them a story about why it's so important to me with dad, and I have bi-polar disorder. Movember gives me a chance to talk about it with other men."
Despite the friendly competition between Port Douglas and Mossman, Bryce heaped praise on Graeme.
"In all honesty we need to put a massive shout out to Graeme for his efforts. We're going to make sure, if we can, to get him over the line (as the region's highest fundraiser)."
To celebrate the final days of Movember, dozens of Mo-bros gathered at Mojo's restaurant in Mossman on Saturday night.
To help Graeme achieve legend status, donate today through his Mo Space page.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
Anyone with a moustache (or other facial hair) who wants to have it clipped or even shaved off, the local clippers are in residence at The Port Douglas Court House Hotel from 5pm TODAY (Nov 30th). Why not get down there and see if you can raise even more money for the charities concerned.