Lewis Blake, Ben Dalton and Rhys Raymond are all tackling Movember for the first time and had modest expectations for their fundraising target.

“The original plan was to raise $1000,” Mr Blake said. “But we got $3500 in 24 hours and it spiralled out of control after that.

“We have all lost friends to mental illness and suicide. I lost my brother Seamus three years ago. He was 20 years old, had depression and never spoke up, never told anyone.”

Mr Dalton said he lost his cousin six months later. 

The group decided to support Movember to help break the stigma around mental health.

“We want to get people talking,” Mr Blake said.

“We want our kids to be able to grow up and feel that they can talk about this stuff.”

Mr Dalton said mental health issues impacted on all generations.

Started in 2003, the Movember charity initially worked to raise funds for prostate cancer research. The group now works to make a different in a range of men’s health issues including prostate and testicular cancer, plus mental health and suicide prevention

A final get-together will be held at the Flying Horse Hotel on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the fundraising effort across the month, with all of the team ready to shave off their moustaches.

“I can’t wait for it to go,” Mr Blake said.

Mr Dalton thanked all of the people and businesses who had donated to their cause.