Alex’s story: 17 years of growing the distance

Alex Moulton isn’t just a long serving Mo Bro. He’s a Movember veteran who’s been flying the hairy flag since 2007. Over the past 17 years, Alex has grown more Mo styles than he can count, pushed himself through epic challenges, and raised funds and awareness for men’s health in some of the most creative ways we’ve seen. From rainbow dyed beards to 168-hour famines, he’s done it all and he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

It all started with the freedom to grow

Alex’s first Movember came post high school, after five years of shaving every day because of uniform rules, “As soon as I finished school, I wanted to grow a Mo for a reason that mattered,” recalls Alex. Then going to work hospitality, Alex had hundreds of people a day see his new upper lip addition. Soon enough his Mo became a conversation starter and a donation magnet.

From Terracotta to Wolverine: evolving his Mo

In the early years, Alex was all about bold and unique Mo designs, even having friends and family bidding on what style he would go for next. One year, it was the ‘Terracotta’; a boxy, crisp Mo that needed reshaping daily. Another year, it was the ‘Wolverine’, with accompanying handlebars and sideburns. Over time, he got even more creative to keep people guessing, adding rainbow dyes, beard art, and even Movember inspired paintings to his fundraising arsenal.

The big challenges and moments of doubt

Alex isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. He’s completed daily runs (even with flat feet causing shin splints), CrossFit every day for a month, and a 168-hour famine, fuelled only by barley sugars and water. Alex admits there were times he wondered what he had gotten myself into, “I’d publicly committed. People were donating because they believed in me. Letting them down wasn’t an option.”

Giving back and giving more

One of his favourite Movember fundraising ideas was selling Movember themed artwork, “I spent NZ$200 on materials, made 20 unique pieces, and turned it into NZ$1,000 in donations,” remembers Alex, “It felt like a turning point, giving donors something tangible for their generosity.” He’s also teamed up with Kiwi rock band Villainy, giving away their debut singles to donors, and plans to host future wine and cheese nights to take his fundraising to the next level.

What keeps him coming back

Seventeen years in, you’d think Alex might be hanging up the clippers. But he says he is still committed, “It’s about integrity. Once I commit to something, I follow through,” says Alex, “Movember is my way of giving back. Friends and family have started fundraising, volunteering, and giving back in their own ways. That’s what keeps me coming back.”

His biggest supporter

Alex gives a huge shout out to his wife, Ash, “She’s been there every step of the way helping me brainstorm ideas, running alongside me, sharing posts, and rallying her friends. I couldn’t have done it without her.”

Advice for first times Mo’s

“Know your why. Figure out why you’re doing Movember, and it’ll shape how you show up. You don’t need to raise a fortune, even a single conversation about mental health could save a life,” says Alex.

Keep on growing

From his early days, growing a rebellious Mo after high school, to raising thousands through epic challenges, Alex Moulton is the definition of a Movember legend. Seventeen years down, and by the sounds of it, plenty more to go.

Inspired by Alex’s story? Sign up and start your own Movember journey at nz.movember.com