The senior squad of Ardrossan Accies have raised over £1,000 for charity by growing moustaches last month as part of Movember, writes Adam Todd.

Players from the club took part in the campaign which aims to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health, and raised £1,050 at time of writing- smashing their initial target.

Stuart Lewis, who plays for the club and helped to organise the charity initiative, said: “Normally the team grow the moustaches as a bit of a laugh to see who looks the silliest.

“We have never raised any money but this year we decided we would.

“We have had a great response to it. There are 12 of us growing moustaches and we have all had a decent amount of support.

“We have achieved way more than what I thought we would get.

“At the start I thought we would maybe get £100 or £150 but we have raised over £1,000 so it has been great and it’s also been a laugh to see some boys struggle too.

“We wish to thank everyone who has donated to this worthy cause.

“It’s good to know that with the money raised we will be able to donate to help a charity and it’s not been an effort or hard work for us when all we have to do is be lazy and not shave.

“It’s been nice for the club to do something that will hopefully help others who are struggling.”

With the squad unable to train and play matches due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Movember challenge provided a way of having fun and keeping in contact with each other remotely while also raising vital funds.

One of Movember’s main aims is to highlight men’s mental health - an issue that has been exacerbated by the pandemic with lockdown and restrictions meaning many sporting facilities have had to close which can often provide an escape.

Stuart said: “Everyone knows someone who is struggling with an illness or mental health and everyone has their own reason to support Movember.

“It was a good one to support because

it’s easy to do and keeps the group

together.

“The squad is made up of local boys who are all close mates and like everyone we cannot socialise so it’s been frustrating at times this year.

“There was a short window where we could train in the summer and get together but unfortunately that’s been taken away again due to the latest restrictions.”

While Movember may have been and gone for another year there is still time to donate to Ardrossan Accies’ fundraiser.

To do so visit https://uk.movember.com/team/2382016.