Northampton rugby club raises £3,000 for NHS by members braving the shave

Members of a Northampton rugby club have raised more than £3,000 for the NHS by shaving their heads, including former Saints winger Paul Diggin.

Northampton Boys Brigade Old Boys (BBOB) RUFC members started 'braving the shave' on Monday (April 13) with the initial aim of getting to £500.

But the challenge has snowballed with more and more players of all ages, staff and fans getting involved to raise money for East Midlands Ambulance Service and the NHS charitable fund.

Paul, who now plays for BBOB, said: "It's only a small thing in the grand scheme of things but everything helps and it keeps the club together when we're not allowed to be."

The former winger said Pete Lines started it all off with one player saying they would do it for £100, then £200 and it just grew from there.

Now more than 100 men, women and children have either shaved their heads, beards or chest, with some opting for the dye instead.

Paul said: "It's good fun as a lot of the guys are very precious about their hair and beards, one refused to get rid of his beard as he's getting married.

"I shaved my beard too, I don't think I've been clean-shaven for four or five years and my missus won't look at me."

The challenge is started to branch out to other clubs, including Old Scouts and current Saint hooker Reece Marshall - Paul said he would love to see more get involved through the nominations.

To donate or check out the bald heads, visit facebook.com/donate/2626941960921153.