In what is now becoming tradition at John Lyon, 35 Sixth Form students were granted special permission to take part in Movember – deviating from School rules to grow moustaches in aid of men’s health.

The Movember Foundation seeks to raise awareness and funds for a number of leading concerns connected to men’s physical and mental health – and challenges men across the world to grow moustaches in return for sponsorship throughout the month of November.

Alongside a handful of staff, students grew moustaches of various shapes, sizes and styles over the 30 day period and in the process raised a staggering £8,434, which meant for the second year in a row they topped the national schools leaderboard and also sat within the top 25 of all teams within the UK.

Deputy Head Boy Jaimi Patel, who has a specific role in pupils’ charitable efforts, said: “After a long month spent growing our girthy moustaches to support Movember we were finally able to get rid of them. Having raised more than £8,000 for this good cause, I would like to congratulate all the boys and teachers who took part with special mentions for Jack Yelle, Musah Khan and Rishi Luthra who each managed to raise over £1,200.

“Movember aims to tackle testicular cancer and men’s mental health among young people, we hope that our contributions as a school will make a difference to those who suffer.”

Movember ended another successful Term of fundraising at John Lyon. In September, School trousers were swapped for something more casual on the annual Jeans for Genes day, raising £600 for important research into childhood genetic disorders, whilst a huge number of cakes sold at Macmillan Coffee Morning saw £1,500 go towards important cancer
research.

Head Boy Ed Davey, said: “We are extremely proud of everyone for their efforts. It’s a fantastic start to a promising year, and most importantly, the cakes were delicious.”

The charity and fundraising work doesn’t stop: In December boys will collect for Harrow Foodbank, hold a Christmas fair and take part in Christmas Jumper Day.

John Lyon is an independent school, a member of HMC, ISC and is reviewed in the Good Schools Guide.

Pupils typically join John Lyon in Years 7, 9 and 12, largely from a North West London catchment area including Harrow, Wembley, Stanmore, Pinner, Watford, Rickmansworth, Northwood, Ruislip, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Northolt, Southall, Ealing, Acton, Edgware, Brent Cross, Finchley, Barnet, Camden, Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Hammersmith & Fulham, as well as other parts of Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

See forthcoming open events, concerts and exhibitions on our What’s On page.