Tyrone’s a Mo-bro

Tyrone Lister’s moustache is an in-your-face reminder that men’s health is important.

The Year 12 student at Mākoura College has been involved in the Movember movement for three years and is officially a ‘Three Year Mo-Bro’.

Movember is a charity with an aim to ‘change the face of men’s health’ by raising awareness around prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Participants and supporters grow a mo during the month of November.

Tyrone has raised $666 this year and $986 since Movember 2021. As well as his facial statement, he held an event at Mākoura on November 30, with a sausage sizzle, information and health professionals on site.

Donations were appreciated but Tyrone made it clear “the most important part is to spread the word”.

He began growing a November tash in 2021 after noticing young men he knew slipping into health problems.

“Some of my friends were struggling and are still struggling right now, so this issue is important to me. They shouldn’t feel alone,” he said.

“I’ve been through some things myself and didn’t think I could talk to people. “My mission is to spread more awareness around young men.”

Tyrone was picked to receive a scholarship to an Outward Bound outdoor education course in May this year, which set him on a path to gain his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Part of the awards – which challenge young people to improve themselves – requires them to help their community and Tyrone chose to continue with Movember.

“I had to grow my moustache again for a month,” he said. “It literally grew on me – I got past the itchy stage and it grew in the same dark brown colour as my hair.”

His third mo in three years is another fine specimen.

“It is getting a bit annoying now though, so I’ll probably shave it off before Christmas.”

Tyrone’s mother, Anja Lister, said he gained sponsorship from local businesses and people for the school event.

“With support from his teacher Therese King, the Whaiora Pae Ora Team, the Whaiora Stop Smoking Service and the Tū Ora Compass Health team all came down to support, with great information and hand-outs.

“They also held interactive activities for the students, where they could win a spot prize that had been donated.”

Tyrone “smashed his goal” of $500 and managed to raise $626, which has since grown – like a mo – to $666 on his Movember fundraising page.

Tyrone is returning to school for Year 13, then hopes to join his uncle Adam Lister’s concrete business.

He’ll continue his mission to fundraise and spread the word for men’s health.

“Help me stop men dying too young,” he said.

To support Tyrone, visit his Movember fundraising page https://nz.movember.com/mospace/14742273 or search for Tyrone’s Mo Space.