The end is nigh, but the boys should be proud of what they have achieved this Movember, says Niki May Young.

I squidged myself onto the tube this morning, still bleary-eyed and somewhat windswept – the typical start to a busy day in the bustle of London at the start of a cold, dark winter. Tube etiquette calls for a stern, unmoving face, but as I glanced to my right, I couldn’t help but crack a smile. Stood, like a war-time RAF pilot, head held just a degree higher than most, was a proud Movember ambassador, a ferret-like mass perched atop his lip. ‘Tallyho!’ his eyes said as they briefly met mine and my grin was welcomed with a Movember nod. And proud he should be. Not only was that ferret larger than the average tash-about-town, but, of course, it’s also a life-saver.

Today is the last day of this year’s salute to the tash, in aid of prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. Time will tell just how much money has been raised in the last 30 days, but I suspect that Movember 2011 has been the most successful so far in the UK, as I’ve been surrounded by the furry facial embellishments at my every turn. And I kind of like it.

The thing about the Mo’ is that aside from Tom Selleck and Colonel Sanders, very few men have been considered eligible – this makes it exclusive, and something to be prized. After all, what could be more manly than a mo’? It’s also something to strive for, a competition, with genuine awards such as 'Team Mo' and the 'Mo Mo' for the team and individual raising the most for charity. We all know boys like a competition.

But the real reason I think Movember has become so popular is because it’s just plain fun, and after such a dismal year, don’t we all just need a bit of fun? Some light relief?

Utilising fun is something that instantly creates a mass-market. It's something that the charity I support has done for the past six years with its Heroes Run. It's the same impetus that is driving people towards mass silent discos and Santa dashes. And done well, it can help raise awareness of the central issue it supports without guilting or depressing the donor, instead relying on the positive impact of happiness. You can learn more about this at Action for Happiness, which launched last year with the purpose of promoting a happier society.

But for now, I'd like to leave you with a few things I've learnt this Movember…

1.    You’d be surprised at the rate some tashes can grow, and some cannot – don’t be fooled by the thickness of head hair

2.    Not many girls are as fond of the Selleck-look as I am – my sister-in-law can testify to that

3.    There are over 100 styles of tash, but most men opt for the 'painters brush' or the thicker 'walrus'

4.    A moustache can make you cool...fact

(Click image to go to full Movember gallery)