Chesham Rugby Club have deemed that their ‘Facial Furniture Fundraiser’ for Leukaemia CARE has been an unmitigated success. Club members have raised a total of £1000, which added to gift aid donations equals a grand total of £1270.77 donated directly to the charity. The fundraising event saw a number of players at the club growing (or in some cases attempting to grow) moustaches from the 1st of November through until the club’s Christmas dinner on 18th December.

The club were inspired to raise money for the locally based charity by Alex Barton, a young player at the club who was diagnosed with Leukaemia in July. Chesham Rugby Club are eager to prove their credentials as ‘Buck’s Friendliest Club’ and saw this as an ideal opportunity to raise money for a cause important to the club whilst having fun along the way. Event Organiser Karl Cross stated “Everybody had a great time growing their facial furniture despite protestations from some of the participant’s partners! It was clear to everybody involved that this was a worthy cause as everyone at the club is aware of Alex’s situation. The support we have received from club members and supporters in pledging money to the charity has been fantastic and we’ve had lots of our opponents asking what the strange facial hair is all about. We’re absolutely thrilled with the amount that has been raised and are proud to have contributed to Leukaemia CARE who have helped Alex so much since his diagnosis.”

Unfortunately the club’s Christmas Dinner had to be postponed due to the recent poor weather, so there was no opportunity for the participants to compare their finalised moustaches and receive their prizes. The club will be awarding a prize for the individual who is voted to have developed the most impressive facial furniture and there will also be a trophy for the player who has raised the most money; these will be decided upon and presented to the winners at the rearranged dinner in January.

Alex Barton is also grateful to the club for its support through a difficult time of his life. “When I was first diagnosed I was so angry with life and felt hard done by” said Alex, “but when my Doctor gave me the go ahead to play rugby again it was the best feeling I’ve had. Playing rugby again was my goal, it’s such a good sport to release energy and the social side is fantastic.” Alex’s body is currently being given a rest from treatment, but his positive attitude and commitment to the game have seen him turn out for the club’s third team on a number of occasions this season as well as playing in the club’s recent intra club Christmas game which was played in five inches of snow.

Chesham Rugby Club will continue to work hard to support the local community and become an integral part of Chesham life. Club President Morris Hogg states “This fund raising effort is a great example of a community sports club organising a fun event for a charity. Our playing members took the initiative, organising and running the event after recognising the support given to one of our young players in a time of need. The New Year will see the Stags continue their programme of supporting local activities and working hard to provide sport to the community.”

Donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/CheshamRUFC and all proceeds go directly to Leukaemia CARE. More information on the charity can be found at www.leukaemiacare.org.uk.