Craig Houston is a Clinical Support Worker and HNC Student who works at the intense and high-paced Emergency Department at RIE. Though the pressure is unrelenting at work, Craig maintains a cheerful and kind attitude, and finds ways to help others outwith work as well. Movember, is a UK charity focused on men’s health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health. During the month of November, men grow facial hair to raise money and awareness for these causes.
“I’d never fundraised in Movember or really done any other fundraising, this is a first for me,” Craig says. “My papa, my granddad, he passed away in September from cancer. He was like my dad, he was my hero and a huge inspiration, so I’m doing this in his memory.”
Craig has proven to be a natural talent, as he has currently fundraised the highest sum of all NHS UK staff participating in the challenge. “My own personal goals have already been smashed over and over,” Craig says, explaining that he has repeatedly put his goal higher after he’s surpassed milestone after milestone. “First it was £100, then £200, then, £600, and now I’ve raised over £1700. I got an email from the head of Movember saying I was ranked number 2 in the UK for emergency service fundraising individuals, which was absolutely mind-blowing.”
What surprised Craig the most was the support he met once he started fundraising. “Everyone’s been so supportive at work,” he says. “From colleagues, consultants, to charge nurses – even receptionists and porters, everyone has been incredibly supportive. And giving as well, which is what’s allowed me to raise such a huge sum already. Everyone in the Emergency Department is a big family, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
“I haven’t met any patients who are doing Movember yet, but they’re always full of praise when we talk about it. It’s a good way to lighten the mood and focus on something positive, which is particularly important for patients in the Emergency Department, who are often stressed and anxious.”
Craig’s advice for those considering Movember or similar fundraising activities is simple – just do it. “You only have to do it once,” Craig says. “Invest a bit of time to do something to help others. That person needing the support could be you or a family member. Then, if you find it worthwhile, why not do it again next year?”
If you have a question about men’s health, visit nhsinform.scot for self-help guidance and advice.
