This is how to take part in 60km walk to create Lancashire's biggest moustache for Movember

A Leyland man has set himself the challenge of creating Preston’s biggest moustache - and you’re invited to join in.

Rob Flood has been taking part in Movember - a global event held every November to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues - for the past 18 years, nine of which as a Community Ambassador. After taking part in solo fundraising and awareness raising challenges for the cause, now he’s organised a mammoth 60km walk for all.

Starting off at 6am on November 1 from Leyland, Rob will trek the equivalent distance to Liverpool on foot, taking in footpaths and fields in Farington, Clayton le Woods, Euxton, Withnell, Buckshaw and Worden - the route creating the shape of a moustache on Strava, an activity-tracking app. He is encouraging others to join him along the way - for as long or as little as they like.

The 60km distance has been chosen as it reflects the devastating statistic that 60 men die by suicide globally every hour.

Rob said: “Raising awareness of men’s mental health and suicide prevention has become incredibly personal to me.I know what it feels like to struggle silently. I’ve experienced anxiety and depression throughout my life, and there have been periods when I’ve found it incredibly difficult to open up about how I was feeling. Becoming a dad brought its own challenges, and it was my wife, Becky, who became the first person I truly opened up to when I was at my lowest.

“That experience has shaped why I do this. I want other men to know they aren’t alone, that asking for help isn’t a weakness, and that sometimes simply checking in with a mate can make a huge difference.”

Rob says he finds that people are more able to open up while on a walk, and wants to turn the number 60 into something positive by bringing people together, encouraging conversations and raising vital funds for men’s mental health.

He said: “I’m hoping people will join me for as much or as little of the walk as they can manage, whether that’s 1k, 5k or the full 60k. The aim is to get our local community involved and show that everyone can play a part in changing the conversation around men’s mental health.”

There’s also a personal fundraising milestone Rob is determined to reach. His goal is that after 18 years, he will have raised a total of £20,000 for Movember at the end of the challenge. He said: “After 18 years of supporting the campaign, reaching that figure would mean an enormous amount to me. Every donation helps support the work being done in men’s mental health, but just as importantly, every conversation we start could make a difference to someone who is struggling.”

Annual fundraising event

Alongside the walk, Rob’s also holding his annual Movember fundraising event at the Market Ale House in Leyland on Friday, November 27 where there will be headshaving, live music and raffles.

For more information about Rob’s challenge and how to get involved, visit or message him on his Instagram account: @mobrobob

Help is available

In the UK, Samaritans are there day and night on 116 123. Campaign Against Living Miserably are also available on 0800585858.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 999.