NESCol ranks in the top 10 UK schools for Movember fundraising

January 31, 2025

North East Scotland College (NESCol) is celebrating Movember success after placing 9th in the UK out of 428 educational institutions for its fundraising efforts.

Throughout November, Team NESCol grew an impressive collection of moustaches, raising an incredible £7,215 for the leading men’s health charity.

Movember is a global event, raising awareness and vital funds for men’s health issues, with a focus on mental health, suicide prevention, and prostrate and testicular cancer. It has funded more than 1,250 men’s health projects since 2003.

Twenty-six members of staff took part in this year’s core fundraising and moustache growing, led by Engineering Lecturer, Declan Sutherland.

Declan said:

“I feel that Team NESCol did themselves extremely proud during Movember, raising an amazing amount for such a worthy cause while also increasing awareness among colleagues and students.

“I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we were truly humbled by the kindness and support of colleagues, friends, and family during this time.

“Everyone took on the challenge and played a crucial role in its great success. It was also fantastic to see the friendly competition between moustaches at the end!”

In addition to the fundraising, NESCol’s Equalities and Wellbeing Promotion and Events Group helped coordinate and advertise Movember-themed activities. These included wellbeing drop-in sessions, men’s circuit gym classes and the Mancave.

Hosted by Student Wellbeing Advisors, the Mancave offered students a space where they could play on a games console, have a chat about their mental health and learn how to access resources. These sessions proved popular and are an initiative that the team plans to continue.

NESCol Principal Neil Cowie said:

“It fills me with immense pride to see the College community come together to support each other, donate and get involved with the schedule of activities.

“The fundraising tally for Team NESCol’s Movember endeavors is beyond all expectations. I was only too happy to join in and be part of fundraising for this very worthy cause.

“The success of Movember is another example of the passion of my NESCol colleagues. Their steadfast dedication to improving the lives of others, as well as the College experience, is truly inspiring.”