IF YOU see large numbers of men walking around with strange-shaped facial hair this month, don’t panic.

Scores of men across the county are taking part in an global charity event called Movember to raise money in a light-hearted way for the Prostate Cancer Charity.

The idea is that men – or Mo Bros as they have been affectionately called – start the month clean-shaven and have the rest of it to grow and cultivate a bushy moustache.

During Movember, each Mo Bro effectively becomes a walking billboard for men’s health and raises funds and awareness for the charity.

One is Ben McFarlane, of Calves Close, Kidlington, whose dad Jim, who lives in Australia, was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year.

Although his father has now made a full recovery Ben – who usually sports a goatee beard – has given over his November to cultivating a moustache.

Father-of-two Mr McFarlane, 30, a self-employed gold plater, said: “I got a phone call from my mum saying, ‘I don’t want to worry you too much, but your dad has prostate cancer’ – it shocked the family quite a bit.

“When that happens and your family is the other side of the world you cannot help do anything. It’s a very worrying time.

“That is when I thought I would undertake this challenge – it’s a fun way of raising money for a good cause.

“If people see me out and about they will hopefully say ‘what on earth have you done?’ – and that’s when I will ask them to donate.

“I had heard of prostate cancer before, but until my father was diagnosed I never knew that much about it.

“How many people do you know who have been affected by breast cancer? Women’s breast cancer gets very good publicity.

“This is the male equivalent and it very rarely gets mentioned – and that is why it’s extremely important to raise money and awareness.

“It’s only been a few days of growth so far, but by the end of the month I will hopefully have something quite beautiful on my upper lip.”

Movember started out in Australia in 2003 and since then has raised more than £30m.

To sponsor Mr McFarlane, go to uk.movember.com/ mospace/131623 Are you growing a moustache for Movember? Contact us with pictures at news@oxfordmail.co.uk