Mark Myles’ moustache is taking shape as the Campbell River resident grows one in support of the Movember campaign.
(Troy Landreville/Campbell River Mirror)
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Mark Myles’ Movember moustache has deep meaning.
A number of years ago, the 46-year-old 911 Fire Dispatcher with the Campbell River Fire Department was in a dark place.
So dark, in fact, that the depression he was suffering from had Myles contemplating ending it all.
But Myles found strength from those who cared about him.
I couldn’t stop thinking about the important people
“I couldn’t stop thinking about the important people in my life and decided it was time to admit that I needed help,” Myles shared.
“So I went to the doctor and called a friend. That’s when things changed and the ball started rolling in a good direction.”
That level of support is why Myles is still with us.
It’s also why he is ardently champions the Movember campaign.
From mental health and suicide prevention to prostate and testicular cancer, Movember funds lifesaving research and funding prevention-focused programs to help men live longer, healthier lives.
Each year moustaches are grown worldwide in November to support the cause.
Myles, who recently shaved his beard clean so
Myles, who recently shaved his beard clean so his face can be a blank canvas for a new moustache, is part of the peer-support team at work and assists with doing defusings/debriefings after major events and for the friends and any men in his life.
“I want them to know it’s never too late or too early to reach out if you’re getting low,” he said.
At the onset of Movember, Myles dressed up as Ted Lasso for Halloween, moustache and all.
I picked him because everyone remembers his optimism,
“I picked him because everyone remembers his optimism, but what made him real was that he was struggling too,” he said. “The bravest thing he did was admit he wasn’t okay and asked for help. That’s the message I want to get across this month.”
On a personal note, Myles has been participating in Movember on and off for more than 10 years.
Last year he and his co-worker, Carlos, shaved their beards together and raised about $3,300.
This year, Myles shaved his beard on Halloween and he’s growing the moustache from scratch for November.
His motivation is simple: too many men
His motivation is simple: “too many men are suffering in silence. They’re dealing with depression, a diagnosis, a marriage falling apart, a job gone sideways, and they don’t talk about it. The question I keep asking people is: how much would you give to save the life of a man you love?”
Myles didn’t set a dollar goal on purpose this time around. (He did set a goal on the Movember website of $1,650 just because they need a number, which is about what he raised last year.)
“If people can give, I’m grateful, and it’s money well spent. But what I really want is for people to check in on the guys in their lives and ask them how they’re really doing,” he said. “From my experience it’s often up to the man who is struggling to reach out… be that person that the men in your life can reach out to. Let them know you’re there.”
Myles isn’t doing this alone
Myles isn’t doing this alone. He’s part of the Campbell River Fire Rescue team. But his Dad and his two sons have been joining him on and off for years, as well.
On a lighter note, Myles said it’s fun to grow a moustache with a team, but it obviously looks better once it comes in a bit.
“When you’re freshly shaven after having a beard for most of the year, most people do a double-take and say something like, ‘You look weird,’” Myles said. “It’s all for a good cause, so bring it on.”
All funds raised go to the Movember Foundation.
They fund men’s mental health and suicide prevention,
“They fund men’s mental health and suicide prevention, plus prostate and testicular cancer research and support. Movember doesn’t just collect money. They build programs that actually change men’s lives,” Myles said.
He added that friends and family have been really supportive, both last year and again this year.
People can donate on his fundraising page at movember.com/m/14324213. And can also follow along on my socials @markmyles on Instagram and Facebook
If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 9-8-8. Any time, day or night.
