Health Board staff have raised a smile, awareness and cash for this year's Movember campaign.
Teams from across the UHB have been taking part in the annual event aimed at raising awareness of prostate cancer by encouraging men to shrug off the shaving and grow a moustache.
Staff have been doing just that and helped to raise awareness and hundreds of pounds in cash for the charity in the process.
Suzanne Carran, from the UHB's South Cardiff Crisis Team supported the efforts of men in her office who took part in the event.
She said: "The South Cardiff Crisis Team has risen £548.00 so far for Movember this year to help contribute to the fantastic work already being done to reduce the stigma of prostate and testicular cancer.
"As mental health nurses, who deal with the issues of stigma on a daily basis, the team were very keen to join in on such a worthy campaign.
"The females of the team however were not at all surprised at how much their male colleagues threw themselves into this as they are a very competitive bunch.
"It has been fun to see an increase in male grooming products lying around the office, and some strange black moustaches on grey haired men."
Kevin Nicholls, Contact Centre Manager for ALAC (Artificial Limb and Appliance Service), urged colleagues across the Health Board to get involved.
He said: "A few mates of mine did it last year in their football team and they had a great laugh and raised some cash. I found out too late to join in last year so I was very eager to get involved this year.
“I believe that there is a lack of focus on men’s health and want to help to raise awareness and cash."
After a month of moustache growing and fundraising many were keen to say goodbye to the face fuzz.
Garmon Owen, from the Community Addiction's Unit, said he and his colleagues had managed to raise £120 so far and had enjoyed taking part.
He said: “It was a strange experience that was some what a bonding experience. I think everyone became obsessed with moustaches and was the main topic of conversation.
"But we can wait to shave them off now."
Sharon Hopkins, the UHB’s Director of Public Health, praised the efforts of staff to take part in Movember and the support given to them by colleagues.
She said: "The Movember campaign is an excellent way of not only raising money, but raising awareness of a male health issue that is often overlooked.
"By sporting their charity moustaches those taking part are increasing awareness of the cancer as well as helping to raise important funds for charity.
"It also looks as if those taking part have had a wonderful time. Highlighting health issues like this is a key part of the work of the public health team so we're delighted to be supporting the efforts of those involved."
Did you take part in Movember? Let the health board know by emailing chris.davies5@wales.nhs.uk. You can also send in your pics or post them via the UHB’s Facebook or Twitter profiles.
To see pics of UHB staff sporting their Movember efforts click here.
