By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
A passionate mental health advocate, Kane Ford took on an extraordinary challenge this Movember in the Dandenong Ranges to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health.
Mr Ford, the 2024 Movember ambassador, hiked through the Dandenong Ranges with a massive 20-kilogram, two-metre-wide wooden moustache, marked his first challenge in the Dandenongs after previously completing similar hikes in the Cathedral Ranges and the You Yangs near Little River.
The giant “Big Mo“ was intentionally designed to be heavy and uncomfortable, symbolising the mental health struggles that many men silently carry.
For this challenge, Mr Ford completed four loops around the Dandenongs, covering 50 kilometres over the course of a single night, starting at 5pm on Friday 22 November, and finishing around 9.30am on Saturday 23 November.
The 24-hour trek was physically demanding, but the most striking aspect was the awkward, 20-kilogram wooden moustache he carried — a powerful symbol of the burden and weight of living with mental health issues.
“This hike wasn’t just about raising money; it was about showing people that it’s okay to talk about mental health. It was about challenging the stigma that men can’t show vulnerability,“ Mr Ford said.
“When people saw me with this giant moustache, they asked why I was doing it. And that opened the door for important conversations about mental health, something that is so often pushed aside.”
For Mr Ford, this challenge was deeply personal.
In 2019, he went through a mental health crisis that nearly led him to take his own life, since that low point, he’s dedicated his life in helping others who struggle with their mental health – hoping to turn his own painful experience into something positive.
“It was in the Cathedral Ranges, in a place where I used to feel at peace, that I found myself in a really dark place. I came close to making a decision that I would never have been able to undo,“ Mr Ford said.
“But through the right support and by opening up to those around me, I’ve been able to move forward. That’s why I do what I do now—to show others that there is always hope, even in the darkest times.“
The hike also represents his ongoing commitment to challenging the stigma around men’s mental health – men are often expected to be stoic, to keep their feelings and struggles to themselves but he believes this culture of silence contributes to the high rates of suicide and mental health issues among men.
“Men have to break out of that mould,” he said.
“It’s okay to admit that you’re not okay, and it’s okay to ask for help. I know how tough it can be, but reaching out can change everything. It’s not a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength.”
Movember, the global charity dedicated to men’s health, has revealed statistics that highlight just how crucial Mr Ford’s mission is now more than ever.
Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, and two in five men die prematurely from preventable causes.
Mr Ford’s distinctive hike aimed to spark conversations about these challenges and serve as a visible symbol of support for men who are struggling.
This year’s hike had an added twist, with Mr Ford inviting others to join him for different legs of the journey.
While in previous years he’d completed the challenge solo, this time he organised four separate groups to walk with him on various stages of the hike.
These groups, made up of around 40 people in total, joined him throughout the night – participants were asked to donate $100 to take part, with all funds raised going towards Movember’s life-saving mental health programs.
The community element of the hike was one of the highlights for Movember ambassador.
“Having people walking with me was so powerful,” he said.
“It wasn’t just me out there this time; it was a community. There were people who had been personally touched by mental health issues, people who had lost loved ones or struggled themselves. To have them walking alongside me, to feel their support, it was truly moving.”
Mr Ford’s Movember fundraising campaign has raised nearly $10,000 this year alone, over the past four years, he’s raised over $30,000 in total for Movember.
The funds support the charity’s efforts to tackle mental health issues, suicide prevention, and other men’s health problems like prostate and testicular cancer.
His goal each year is to raise $10,000, and he’s been thrilled with the support he’s received.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it,“ he said.
“The donations make a real difference, and every dollar goes towards saving lives and changing the way we talk about men’s health.“
Mr Ford’s message is in line with the larger goals of Movember, which seeks to challenge the status quo and create more supportive environments for men to discuss their health.
Movember’s CEO, Michelle Terry, has pointed out that in Australia, men are more likely to engage in high-risk behaviours like substance misuse, and they often have poorer health literacy than women. This makes it harder for men to seek help for physical or mental health problems when they need it most.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Ms Terry said.
“But initiatives like Kane’s hike are helping to raise awareness and start those important conversations. The more we talk about mental health, the more normal it becomes to reach out for help.”
Mr Ford’s efforts have helped shine a light on these important issues, and his work is part of a global movement that has already raised over $1.5 billion for men’s health since Movember’s launch in 2003.
This year, Movember is also investing $59.5 million into Indigenous health initiatives and has partnered with the Australian Government to combat gender-based violence.
He hopes his work will continue to inspire other men to speak out about their struggles and seek help when needed.
“I’m just one person, but together we can make a difference,” he said.
“It’s not just a men’s issue; it’s a community issue. Everyone has a role to play in creating a healthier world for men, their families, and their communities.”
Looking ahead to next year, Ford plans to take on an even bigger challenge.
“Each year, I try to make it harder and more challenging, so next year we’ll definitely step it up a notch,” he said.
“I’ll be posting updates on my Instagram @GetOutside.Australia and website at, www.get-outside.com.au – so anyone who wants to get involved can follow along.”
For anyone struggling with mental health, Mr Ford’s message is clear.
“Reach out. It’s okay to talk. You’re not alone,” he said.
He also encourages people to support Movember’s efforts by donating or joining the movement at: au.movember.com/story/kanes-story-the-power-of-the-outdoors, where every donation can help save a life and continue to push for better men’s health.
