Kenny takes off mask for Movember campaign

A TORQUAY local has stripped back his “mask” for the first time in eight years to raise funds and awareness of mental health and suicide.

Hospitality worker Tom Kenny has shaved off his iconic moustache and is participating in Movember this month with the goal of raising over $5,000 for mental health support and suicide prevention.

The 26-year-old said he has personally experienced poor mental health over a long period of time and has used his moustache as a way to divert attention away from issues in his life.

After many years of directly struggling and seeing his mates do the same, Mr Kenny said the time was right to muscle up and “shave the mo to help a bro.”

“I’ve had the mo since I’ve left school. The day I finished I started growing it.

“It’s always been a bit of a distraction and mental health mask for me.

“Because I could grow a good moustache, it took the attention away from other things and facial features I didn’t love about myself.

“Throughout the years, mental health has begun to affect me directly and indirectly.

“This year, I’ve just been figuring out more and being comfortable with myself, so I thought there wasn’t a better time to do Movember.

“Now I’m at this stage, I just want to raise some funds and awareness, so we don’t have to continue losing our friends and family.”

Mr Kenny kicked off his fundraising efforts with a backyard birthday music celebration at the start of the month, with entry proceeds going towards the campaign.

To up the ante, the 26-year-old will also be moving around Torquay for 12 hours straight on November 25 to raise some extra funds.

“I’m hopeful of running over 100km, so it’s going to be a massive challenge both physically and mentally.

“How far I’ll get, I’m not too sure, but I’ll run, I’ll walk and I’ll even crawl if I need to.

“I’d be super happy for people to join me too, just flick me a message if you’re keen to jump on.”

To donate to the campaign, head to Tom Kenny on Movember’s website.