A chimney sweep has pledged to give £2 for every flue he sweeps during November to men’s health campaign ‘Movember’.
John Baldacchino, 41, who owns Wilkins Chimney Sweep – West Chester, is joining an increasing number of men across the world who will be growing a moustache next month to support the cause.
Movember is dedicated to raising funds and awareness of men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Last year more than £90m was raised.
Chester-raised John Baldacchino, who lives in Sutton Weaver, near Frodsham, said: “Men still typically shy away from talking about their health and especially prostate cancer, I grew my first ‘Mo’ last year and want to do what I can to raise money and awareness again this year.”
The idea for Movember began in Melbourne, Australia in 2003, when two friends discussing fashion and recurring trends questioned where the ‘Mo’ had gone and joked about bringing it back.
Together, they decide to talk their mates into growing a Mo with them. They chose the month of November, renaming it Movember, and persuaded 30 of their friends to grow moustaches.
No money was raised that year but in 2004 the idea took hold with 450 'Mo’s grown and $54,000 (Aus) dollars raised. In 2011, 854,288 'Mo’s were grown and in 2012 donations of £92m was raised globally.
John, who is married to Kath and has two children, Evie, 11, and Madie, seven, sweeps chimneys, removes nests and fits cages, caps and cowls to the chimneys of homes and businesses from Northwich in the north to Tarporley in the south and from Warrington in the east to Wrexham in the west.
In a move specifically designed to give peace of mind to his customers, John is fully police checked.
If you are taking part in Movember next month to raise money for men's health, we would like to hear your story.
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