Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Promotion to a new league on its own represents a big challenge for the Owls, but that hasn’t stopped them taking on a completely different kind of challenge. 16 lady rugby players from Harwich and Dovercourt rugby club have stripped down to make a calendar showing a side (and more) to them that you wouldn’t normally see on the pitch, all to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Research.
In downtime from Rugby season, and slotted in between 7s tournaments The Owls bravely faced a new fear, not a 15 strong opposition, but a photographer, a camera and nowhere to hide. Sophia Tricker, captain of The Owls said “ It was one of the most nerve racking things I’ve done. We all have things about our bodies we don’t like so it really did push us all! That said Rugby is all inclusive, there is a place for every shape and size on the pitch and it is nice to highlight that in a show of strength”.
Laura Hudson, player and volunteer for the charity Breast Cancer Now says “I have been fundraising for Breast Cancer for the last 8 years, and when I approached the girls about producing a calendar I was blown away by the enthusiastic response. As a team these girls will do anything together that helps another member of that team, apparently even getting their clothes off!” She adds “Right now, breast cancer is at a tipping point. More women are surviving, but more are being diagnosed than ever before. One in Eight women in the UK will face breast cancer in their lifetime, so on our rugby team alone, statistically 3 of us will face the disease. That’s a reality check if ever you needed one”.
You could in a rugby club environment argue you why breast cancer? It’s a womens disease? The answer is simple; whilst men also suffer from breast cancer (approximately 400 a year die from it), the 1000 we are losing each month are wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, cousins, aunties.
Barry Male, Chairman of H&D RUFC says “Women are the glue to a family, and our Rugby Club is a family. The club is only too happy to support our girls in this brave venture. The charity Breast Cancer Now aim to stop women dying by 2050. To do this they need funds, to keep scientists in laboratories. Hats off to our ladies for wanting to be a part of that”.
The calendar has been generously supported by club sponsors as well as the photographer Martin Grayling and Autoprint both donating their services for free, meaning 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the charity.
Secondary Breast Cancer remains incurable. With the fight against breast cancer more relevant than ever, what better way to show a united front than 16 ordinary women, strong women, all from different backgrounds, all different sizes, but all beautiful uniting to stand against this killer.
The calendar is launched at The Owls home game on the 30th October, and will be on general sale from the 31st October via this link https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/OwlsFlyFullMoon

For More Information please contact Laura Hudson on 07919 926645 or laura@laurahudson.org.uk