Kenny’s $3,000 mo will help save a bro

A TORQUAY local has “stripped back his mask” and raised more than $3,000 for men’s mental health and suicide prevention throughout an inspiring Movember campaign.

During November, hospitality worker Tom Kenny ran, swam, walked, held a special fundraising music night and grew a thick moustache.

Mr Kenny said the Movember cause was once close to his heart, having been directly affected by mental health and suicide.

Prior to the month, he said he often referred to his moustache as his “mask”, and a mechanism which took the attention away from things he didn’t like about himself.

He said he was very proud of his efforts and his strength in finally shaving his moustache after eight years to promote the cause.

“My original goal was to raise $1,000, so to get $3,000 was awesome,” he said.

“I was just rapt with the support, which all kicked off with a fantastic music night from some of my close mates on November 5.

“While I unfortunately couldn’t do my 12 hours straight of running due to a foot injury, I jumped in the pool for four hours and swum 8.5km.

“I also really tried to open up space throughout the month for my mates and people to chat about their feelings.

“No matter how hard the conversations are, they are worth having.”

Mr Kenny said physical activity and speaking up about his feelings has been key in getting his mental health back on track and recommend others do the same.

“It’s certainly worked for me from both a physical and mental standpoint,” he said.

“After I started working in hospitality, I didn’t have the time to continue playing team sports and missed out on having the camaraderie a sport like football brings.

“Getting a few mates together and just having a leisurely jog can work wonders and provide the space to chat about things.

“It’s worth the early wake ups, or the cold weather. It just makes you feel good.

“Once the foot is good, I’ll be back on the track running and doing it again.”

The Torquay local said he will be a man of his word and complete his12 hours of non-stop running in 2024.

“I won’t stop advocating now November is over and am committed to holding myself accountable to the run as well!

“I really hope the whole community continue to be passionate about mental health, suicide prevention and create space to help each other out.”

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