And there’s time: ‘Movember’ – the  month when facial hair focusses attention on fundraising – runs until Novem,ber 30.

Contribuitions, including $300 from Chris Smallwood of Thermal Imaging, have boosted Blackbourn’s total to NZ$2565 while leader Jim Quinn has been languishing at NZ$3085 for a while now.

“I am doing this because close to 3000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in New Zealand each year and one in ten men will experience depression in their lifetime,” says Blackbourn.

“The Ginga Mo is coming along nicely and if you go to my Mo space you will be able to read all the wise cracks my so-called close associates and friends have written about me.”

To help, you can either:

• Go to http://nz.movember.com/donate/your-details/member_id/1266938/ and donate online using your credit card or PayPal account

• Write a cheque payable to 'Movember Foundation,' referencing Blackbourn’s Registration Number 1266938 and mailing it to: Movember Foundation, PO Box 12708, Wellington, 6144.

Through its men's health partners, The New Zealand Mental Health Foundation and the Cancer Society of New Zealand, Movember is funding world class research, educational and support programs which would otherwise not be possible.

For more details on the impact Movember is having please visit http://nz.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs.