Andrew Fenner’s Richmond Ted Lasso Inspired 15th Movember Campaign

Key Points

• Andrew Fenner from Ormskirk is marking his 15th year of participating in Movember.
• He is inspired by the Richmond-based comedy Ted Lasso for this year’s campaign.
• Fenner posts daily quotes from Ted Lasso to raise smiles and £250 for men’s health awareness.
• Ted Lasso’s character, played by Jason Sudeikis, is famed for motivational quotes and a distinctive moustache.
• Filming locations for Ted Lasso include South West London areas like Richmond, Croydon, and Hillingdon.
• Movember began in Australia in 2003, initially focusing on prostate and testicular cancer, now expanding to mental health.
• Fenner highlights the importance of encouraging younger men to talk about their health.
• Over the years, Fenner has used creative themes including gingerbread moustaches, customised objects, and Star Wars toys.
• He takes part in Movember 5km runs and aims to move 60km this November to honour men lost to suicide worldwide.

What is Andrew Fenner’s motivation behind his 15th Movember campaign?

Andrew Fenner, a TV producer with credits including The One Show and Songs of Praise, has been participating in Movember since 2011. As reported by the South Londoner, Fenner said,

“The Ted Lasso idea came when we were watching it and I thought it made complete sense. It was one of the best comedies, I think, in the last five years. And it was so quotable, there were so many great lines in it. Also he has got the most brilliant moustache — so I began putting a daily quote from Ted Lasso on my site to cheer people up.”

Fenner’s goal is to raise £250 and spread positivity through the inspirational words of the show’s main character.

How does Ted Lasso connect to Movember and men’s health awareness?

The character Ted Lasso, portrayed as the cheerful coach of AFC Richmond, uses motivational and managerial skills, often encouraging belief and resilience. Fenner uses this character’s famous quotes on his dedicated website Ted LassMo to engage people during Movember. Examples include: 

“Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.” 

Fenner’s choice resonates as the show blends humour with uplifting messages, making it a fitting emblem during a campaign focused on men’s wellness.

Where are the filming locations for Ted Lasso, and how are they linked to South West London?

As covered by the SW Londoner, Ted Lasso is filmed in several real-world London locations:

• The fictional Nelson Road stadium is actually Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park in Croydon.
• The training ground is The SkyEx Community Stadium in Hillingdon, home to Hayes and Yeading FC.
• The Prince’s Head pub on Richmond Green serves as the Crown and Anchor in the series.
• Ted Lasso’s home street is Paved Court.

These locations highlight the strong connection between the show and South West London communities.

What is the history and evolution of Movember as a men’s health initiative?

Movember began in 2003 in Australia, founded by two brothers who started growing moustaches to raise awareness for men’s health issues, particularly prostate and testicular cancer. According to Fenner, as reported by the North West Londoner,

“It specifically targets young men who may be less inclined to speak about their issues.”

Fenner added,

“When you get into your 40s, you start to think more about your health… I think when you’re younger there’s a certain embarrassment about it.”

Over time, Movember expanded to address mental health challenges, focusing on encouraging men to speak openly and seek help.

What unique fundraising ideas has Andrew Fenner introduced over the years?

Fenner has used creative methods to boost fundraising and awareness. Initially, he crafted gingerbread moustaches for colleagues. He then created themed campaigns such as:

• ‘Make me a Mo, Bro’: Adding moustaches and googly eyes to everyday objects.
• ‘Mo the Force be with you’: Adding moustaches to vintage 1977 Star Wars toys.
• ‘Mask with Mo-ment’: During the Covid pandemic, with masks hiding his moustache, Fenner digitally added moustaches to masks daily.

These quirky ideas combine humour with fundraising to keep the campaign engaging.

How does Andrew Fenner honour men lost to suicide through his Movember efforts?

Alongside growing a moustache and spreading positivity, Fenner participates in physical challenges. As noted by the North West Londoner, he regularly runs the Movember 5km event and aims to move 60km throughout November. This distance symbolizes the approximately 60 men lost every hour globally to suicide, emphasising the critical mental health aspect of Movember.