CAP: Rainey Old Boys RFC players get their kit off to promote awareness around the issue of skin cancer for the 2013 ‘Mid Ulster Calendar Boys’ calendar. The calendar will be showcased at Hatrick Park on Saturday ahead of the Magherafelt club’s match against Sligo in the All Ireland League.
‘RAINEY’, hail or shine, some of Mid-Ulster’s top rugby players will be seen with their tops off on Saturday, as part of a Cancer Focus Northern Ireland project to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
The 2013 ‘Mid Ulster Calendar Boys’ calendar is being launched to rugby fans at Hatrick Park when Rainey Old Boys play host to Sligo in an Ulster Bank League clash.
The much anticipated game will also be available to watch live online, thanks to a trial streaming project – a first for Hatrick Park.
As part of an ongoing message to promote the use of sun cream to protect ourselves from melanoma skin cancer, Rainey players recently stripped off their famous red and black jerseys for a fundraising calendar shoot.
The calendar aims to showcase men of all ages from all sorts of backgrounds, to stress that care in the sun is important for everyone.
Body builders, bakers, butchers, truckers, bikers, veg growers, cyclists, chefs, walkers, farmers and fitness instructors have all come together to support the calendar and highlight the affects of cancer and how to prevent it.
The calendar sale forms part of a bumper day of events planned for Hatrick Park to coincide with the Sligo game.
“It’s going to be a cracking occasion,” said club president Arnold McLean.
“The boys are only too happy to do whatever it takes to raise a few pounds for a good cause and in Cancer Focus; they are doing it for a deserving charity.
“We are also trialling a live feed of the game for In Touch Magazine’s online service, so there is a good buzz around the occasion,” he said.
Generally men are not as good at going to their doctors for check ups as women, said Cancer Focus Community Fundraising Officer Emma McCann.
“The calendar will help highlight the need to keep an eye on things and make an appointment with their GP if they are worried or concerned about anything,” she said.
“I feel that if only one person could potentially be helped as a result of this calendar, then it will have been a worthwhile venture.”
All proceeds from the calendar are in aid of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, which is the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation. The charity provides help and support to more than 3,000 cancer patients in Northern Ireland – men and women, young and old, with all types of cancer and at all stages of illness.
Services include counselling, support groups, stop smoking clinics, walking groups, bra fitting services, journaling and art therapy, Beauty for Life, helpline and health checks in workplaces and community venues. All services are free of charge.
For more information on Cancer Focus click on www.cancerfocusni.org or follow them on Facebook or Twitter @CancerFocusNI.
To buy a calender, contact Emma on Tel: 07731375022 or email emmamccann@cancerfocusni.org.
Article submitted by Andy Chapman former New Zealand Herlad Chief Sports Writer.
