Ex- student Raffie McKenzie-Donovan returned to Hurtwood last week to deliver an inspiring talk on Movember, the global charity dedicated to changing the face of men’s health. Movember funds pioneering projects focused on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer, encouraging men to open up, take action and look after both body and mind.

Raffie spoke with honesty and courage about his own struggles with mental health during his earlier school years and how finding a supportive environment at Hurtwood transformed his outlook. “It was here,” he said, “that I finally felt understood, accepted, and encouraged to thrive.”

Raffie also shared his work with Mo Rugby, an international rugby club that raises awareness and funds for Movember through the power of sport. As the club’s ‘Head of Mo-mentum’, he helps lead initiatives that unite communities and challenge stereotypes surrounding men’s health.

This month, Raffie is taking on an extraordinary personal challenge. He is running and cycling 60K each week in honour of the 60 men lost every hour to suicide, culminating in a half-marathon at the end of November. His determination and advocacy continue to inspire us.

Donate to support Raffie’s challenge here: https://movember.com/m/15208370?mc=1