A group of OTs at University of Exeter, led by Rhys Parfitt (PH 17-22) decided to raise money for Movember, a charity that works very closely with universities in the UK. You can find out more about the team and the challenge here.

Their challenge was a 24-hour marathon, where OTs ran a 1.8km lap around Exeter every hour on the hour, completing 24 laps in total. The toughest aspects of the event were the sleep deprivation and the cold, dark weather. Running as a group, they often found themselves too exhausted and cold to even talk to each other.

Throughout the marathon, they received incredible support from friends who recognised the difficulty of the challenge. This encouragement played a crucial role in helping them push through the tough final laps.

The OT's first interaction with Movember started at School with their (in their own words) slightly pathetic attempts to grow moustaches. Men's mental health is a topic that is hugely misunderstood. Through this challenge, they aimed not only to raise funds for Movember but also to help break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

A close friend of the group has recently faced significant struggles with mental health, making the challenge even more personal and impactful. This connection gave the team an added sense of purpose and determination to see the marathon through.

When the Exeter team shared their idea with OT friends at universities across the country, they were met with enthusiastic support, inspiring others to join in and contribute to the cause.

Rhys was joined by Ben Simms (Sc 17-22), Ben Wentzel (JH 17-22), Hector Stokhuyzen (JH 17-22), Will Pike (JH 17-22), Will Rusling (PH 17-22), Will Spedding (PS 18-23) from University of Exeter, Eddie Joyner (WW 17-22) and Archie Ramanathan (PH 17-22) from The University of Manchester, and Xandi Drysdale (PH 17-22) and Marcus Twinn (PS 17-22) from University of Bath. 

The event was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, especially in Exeter. This was evident in the incredible support shown during the final laps and the generosity of donors.

Thanks to their efforts the group successfully raised an incredible £4,000 for men's mental health, making a meaningful contribution to the cause.

Rhys says, "we feel very passionate about this cause and the support received was not only very moving, but illustrates how important this charity is to a lot of people".

Top (l - r) Ben Wentzel (JH 17-22), William Pike (JH 17-22), and second from right Will Rusling (PH 17-22) 

Bottom (l - r) Rhys Parfitt (PH 17-22), Hector Stokhuyzen (JH 17-22), Ben Simms (Sc 17-22) and Will Spedding (PS 18-23) 

Marcus Twinn (PS 17-22) and Alex Drysdale (PH 17-22) 


Eddie Joyner (WW 17-22) and Archie Ramanathan (PH 17-22)