'The Edwardian Cad' and 'Beginner's Bristle'

The 'Tache for Cash campaign has already raised about �2,500 for St Ann's Hospice, in Manchester.

Organisers said that in the competitive world of charity fundraising it was important to find a novel way to raise cash.

Supporters had taken on the challenge of sprouting whiskers with alacrity, they added.

Creative

Each year the hospice, which cares for 3,000 people free of charge, needs �8 million to keep running.

The men could be as creative with their moustaches as they wanted St Ann's Hospice spokeswoman

But despite getting 32% of its cash from the government, the hospice is still left with an annual shortfall of �5.4m to raise.

It costs �227 a day to provide food, a bed and medical care for just one patient.

The Liberal Democrats have already warned that many hospices are struggling to make ends meet and that some are on the verge of closing because of government cash shortfalls.

A spokeswoman for St. Ann's said that without fundraising campaigns like 'Tache for Cash, the hospice would also be struggling to survive.

'I'm Crazy, Me' and 'Game for a laugh' Photos: Marie Claire

"St Ann's Hospice has to raise the equivalent of �15,000 a day so every event, big and small, all add up to helping us achieve that target, and allows us to continue to be able to provide care for people in their final stages of life.

"We wanted to hold an event that would be fun, appeal to all ages and get everyone involved without being complex or time consuming.

Causes

"There are so many charities in the UK, all vying for money for equally worthwhile causes, so to grab people's interest and attention, we wanted to be different, to do something memorable and have a laugh.

"The men could be as creative with their moustaches as they wanted.

'Not as Crazy as Me' and 'Hairy Lip'

"At the hospice, other staff got involved through backing certain participants and I understand this occurred in most workplaces.

"It was also an event that got people talking.

"The participants were asked why they were growing moustaches, so they had an opportunity to talk about St Ann's Hospice."

The styles of moustache chosen by those taking part ranged from "Edwardian Cad" and "Stiff Upper Lip" to "Emperor Ming" and "Handlebar Heaven".