Movember in Dagenham: West and Coe raise £15,000 and shave

West and Coe had their moustaches shaved off to end Movember. (Image: Archant)

As the razors and clippers finally brought an end to the “mo’s” of West of Coe on Monday, the online total stood at £15,000, although much of the funds came through physical donations.

Owner Jeremy West MBE praised everyone who donated, plus his staff, in reaching the tally.

“It’s truly fantastic, the support from the local community has been outstanding,” he said.

“The guys have all been great and I’m really quite proud.”

West and Coe had their moustaches shaved off to end Movember. (Image: Archant)

One member of the team has been granted another week with his beloved ’tache – with his colleague planning a special shaving ceremony at the staff Christmas party next week.

After 47 years with his trademark whiskers, John Crewe agreed to bid farewell to his moustache if the guys hit £10,000.

“They guys kept the total hush-hush – I knew we’d raised a lot but that’s incredible,” he said.

Although Jeremy hinted to the Post that John could be in danger of losing his eyebrows if the team reached £15,000, he was forced to retract his words.

West and Coe had their moustaches shaved off to end Movember. (Image: Archant)

“We couldn’t do that, he’s already losing enough,” he added.

Among the top fundraisers were Dave Rice and Lee Challis, who brought in more than £1,000 each.

Ross Galvin, who helped spearhead the campaign alongside Jeremy’s son Jamie, said: “They were amazing and seemed to get contributions everywhere, almost all under £10 as well, which shows just how many people have donated.”

Although everyone had fun, Ross admits the important thing is the awareness that was raised.

“The stats are really quite frightening,” he said. “One in eight men will get prostate cancer.

“When you look around and see the amount of guys here, it really brings it home.”

For more information or to donate to the team visit uk.movember.com/team/1577697.