A remarkable community effort by supporters at Shipston-on-Stour Rugby Club has resulted in an extraordinary 2,000 bras being donated and more than £3,382 raised in support of Against Breast Cancer.
The campaign was inspired by a close friend and long-standing supporter of the club who had been living with breast cancer for the past 12 years. Wanting to raise awareness and vital funds, they encouraged club members to donate unwanted bras, initially hoping to collect 500. The response far exceeded expectations, with donations quickly reaching an incredible 2,000.
To celebrate the achievement, on the 4th January, people gathered for a coffee morning – a Bra finale. Volunteers and supporters filled the ground, stringing the bras high around the perimeter. Members of the girls’ rugby team meanwhile performed some rugby moves on the pitch. A truly striking display all round.
The coffee morning featured homemade cakes, hot drinks, and a raffle, helping boost the fundraising total to an impressive £3,382.
Sue Goodman, one of the event organisers, praised everyone involved:
“The coffee morning was a huge success. We displayed 2,000 bras around the pitch on a glorious winter morning and raised £3,382 from coffee, cake and raffle. We could not have made it happen without the amazing support from the local community and kind volunteers. Everybody commented that the display of bras was a real sight to see as they arrived at the club and certainly helped to raise awareness with the added bonus of raising essential funds for a very worthy cause. BRAvo to all!”
The team’s efforts not only raised essential funds for breast cancer research but also raised awareness. They demonstrated the power of community spirit in action.
We would like to say a HUGE thank you to Sue and team, as well as everyone at Shipston-on-Stour Rugby Club, to all the wonderful volunteers and to the local community for making this event such a great success and for the fantastic amount of money raised for our charity.