A huge £12,500 has been raised for men’s health by members of South Wales Police Federation taking part in this year’s Movember.

PC Jon Shorland, who is part of South Wales Police’s Men’s Health Network, described the fundraising as ‘phenomenal’.

In particular, the efforts of PC Rhys Evans, who has raised just under £10,000 after setting a target of just £469.

Jon said: “Everyone came together and put in such a great effort. It’s been phenomenal.”

PC Jon Shorland is part of South Wales Police’s Men’s Health Network.

Movember aims to change the face of men’s health. It raises money and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

People are encouraged to get involved by ‘growing a mo’, moving for mental health, hosting a ‘mo-ment’, or creating their own challenge with ‘mo your own way’.

Jon spoke of his reasons for taking part: “I’m a big advocate for mental health.

Mental health

“I’m from Bridgend, and about 15, 20 years ago, we had a lot of deaths by suicide. Quite a few of them were my friends. 

“So I’ve grown up with male mental health and the stigma attached to that, and the scary truth that a lot of teenage boys, particularly back then, saw the only way out as taking their own life. That’s so sad, and I want to do all I can to change that.”

He added: “Improving our physical health will ultimately help our mental health, reducing anxiety and stress levels.”

The South Wales Police Movember group was started seven years ago by childhood friends Chief Inspector Jay Davies and police staff member Jon Griffiths, who is a digital designer.

PC Shorland said: “Jon had moved to New Zealand with his work and they used Movember as a way of staying in contact and motivating each other.

“Jon has since moved back over to South Wales and ended working in the Force, so they created the group.”

You can still sponsor the group on its Movember page.

READ MORE: Special reflects on 10 years of service.