Yes it’s that time of year again, nestled between the spooky fun of Halloween and the wild eyed excitement of Advent, when partly developed men such as I try to become the real deal. We do this by attempting in vain to grow something resembling a full moustache during the month of November.

I don’t do this on a whim. No fashion inspired top knots or hipster beards here at Happy Paws. I won’t be trying to sell you any cereal at £5 a bowl from a pop-up shop in a cool neighbourhood still dripping with the fresh paint of urban renewal. No, I shall be sprouting sparse stubble in the hope of raising a few quid for a very noble cause with the Movember Foundation.

This year I’ll be not only be cultivating a poor man’s Mo but I’ll also be taking the Move Challenge by exercising in one form or another every day in November. There will be plenty of us out there so be prepared for mildly amusing (or downright sickening depending on your viewpoint) re-enactments of the 118 TV ads breaking out all over the UK.

From previous years’ experience, I hold no expectations of a Freddie Mercury ‘tache or Merv Hughes-esque style handlebar. It will be pitiful but please don’t feel sorry for it, simply donate anything you can afford and it will all be worthwhile. As you can see from the photo I’m displaying four days paltry growth and clinging to similar fuzz on the chin. The chin hair will be on its way soon, once the donations start arriving.

You can donate at http://mobro.co/happypawsnewcastle

Please be generous and I’ll try to keep you up to date on Happy Paws Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ with my progress!

The Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier, longer lives. Since 2003, millions have joined the men’s health movement, raising £402 million and funding over 1,000 programmes focusing on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity.