Rugby club in Northampton raises more than £5,000 by ‘braving the shave’ but is still aiming higher

A Northampton rugby club has launched a fundraising campaign whereby teammates get rid of their hair.

Boy’s Brigade Old Boys Rugby Club (BBOB), based in Semilong, started its ‘brave the shave’ challenge when one of the players asked how much people would pay to see him shave his head.

Fast forward just over a week and the club has raised more than £5,000 for East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) as more than 100 people have waved goodbye to their hair.

Former Saints winger, Paul Diggin who coaches at BBOB, said: “It all came from a lad who said ‘how much to shave my hair?’ and then others said ‘if he does it I’ll do it too’.

“The guys have been doing all sorts from dying their hair and doing silly haircuts they’ve found on the internet.

“A couple did the Robocop haircut, so three quarters and eyebrows off.

“We’ve been setting markers for the lads to say how much we need to raise for so and so’s hair to come off.

“Some of the lads are very precious but if we reach the target it has to come off.

“So far we’ve had more than 100 people shave their hair, including a woman and our minis and juniors.”

The club has already raised a huge £5,000 for EMAS, who they chose as the service is ‘doing a great job in the current climate’.

With the success of the campaign the club is aiming high and wants to reach a target of £10,000, but to do this they will need some help.

Paul added: “Everyone has donated what they have at the club so we’re trying to grow it and get other people to donate.

“We’re trying to get other teams involved as well so we’ll hopefully get a few more donations and nominations.

“I’m trying to get Saints involved too, to get some high profile names on board.”

EMAS has thanked the club for their support during this difficult time.

Lee Brentnall, Ambulance Operations Manager for Northamptonshire said: “It is great to see the support that East Midlands Ambulance Service is getting from members of the public all across Northamptonshire, including from those at Northampton BBOB Rugby Club during this difficult and challenging time.

“I would personally like to thank all those who have taken part in the ‘Brave the Shave’ fundraiser and all who have donated. You should be proud of the money you have raised.

“It has been great to see the photos of everyone who has taken part, and for those who regret the shaving, I hope your hair grows back quickly.”

With the country in lockdown and all sporting fixtures cancelled indefinitely, the fundraising is also helping the teammates stay close

“We get to raise money for a good cause and the banter on the WhatsApp group and Facebook page has been great,” Paul continued.

“We can’t see people but the banter is carrying on and the lads have clearly missed that.

“It’s a good opportunity to connect with people and for us to show that the club is still here for everyone.”

To get involved, or to donate visit the club’s Facebook donation page.

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