Bay man leads nation

MO MONEY: Peter Ebbett, pictured with his children Frances Ebbett-Watt, 11, Zach Ebbett-Watt, 9, and Jonty Ebbett-Watt, 12, has raised more than any other New Zealander for Movember.

Peter EbbettPeter Ebbett's moustache is more than a fashion statement, it's about raising money and awareness for a cause close to his heart.

Though he was a late starter, only setting aside the shaver for Movember on November 4, he is leading the pack for fundraising across all New Zealand with a total of $3215.

The Hawke's Bay man has been through his own cancer journey - seven months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy which finished on October 29.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in March, after being sent for an unrelated chest X-ray. Mr Ebbett was only 46-years-old and fell within ten per cent of non smokers to get the disease.

By taking part in Movember he wanted to raise awareness about getting regular, thorough check ups and hoped to promote the need for further research.

"I'm still recovering from treatment, everybody including myself was shocked that I got cancer ... I want to bring more awareness. The statistics for people over 45 are not good, there's a heck of a lot of cancer.

He also hoped to encourage better communication with GPs to promote early detection.
"I had a full check up at 45 although I didn't get X-rayed then, they just did blood tests and a check of the prostate - I think we can do more as a country to diagnose people earlier."

It came as a surprise that he was leading fundraising stakes but he couldn't have done it without help from friends, family and work colleagues at Vet Services Hawke's Bay.
"I have had some pretty hefty donations which is great. There's a wee way to go yet I'm sending an update out so I expect to get a few more donations. It's a recognition of all the support my family has had throughout this."

While happy to grow the moustache for a good cause, Mr Ebbett won't be keeping it any longer than he has to.
"I have only ever grown a beard about 20 years ago, now I realise why, it's the same amount of maintenance to shave it all off. A lot of the young guys are into the facial hair now. I'm not sure how they get on with the ladies."

The Movember Foundation is a global organisation committed to changing the face of men's health.
Over the years it has raised $709 million and funded more than 800 programmes to improve the lives of men affected by prostate or testicular cancer and mental health problems.

?If you would like to make a donation to Peter's cause, go to: nz.movember.com/mospace/9969185