In the lead-up to Testicular Cancer Awareness Month in April, Sharp’s Brewery has joined forces with Rugby Against Cancer for a fundraising opportunity.
The new charity rugby match will see the Sharp’s Brewery ‘Doom Barbarians’ go head to head against the Rugby Against Cancer squad, to raise funds for South West testicular cancer charity It’s In The Bag.
The match is unique in that the Rugby Against Cancer team is made up of passionate players who have all had their own personal battles with cancer, either having suffered directly or via family members.
The team’s inspirational captain, Shaun Ivall-East, who is from Braunton, North Devon, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2018, at the age of just 24. Throughout his challenging journey, he was supported by It’s In The Bag. Now thankfully in remission, and in light of his battle, he is keen to give something back and unite people through the love of rugby.
Shaun said: “It’s In The Bag is a charity that is particularly close to my heart. When I received my diagnosis, back in 2018, I was naturally devastated and in complete shock. It’s In The bag helped me and my family in many ways. They gave us financial support in a time of need, plenty of emotional support, for me, my wife and children. I have also attended some workshops run by the charity, which have helped me to understand how to deal with my diagnosis.
‘It’s In The Bag supported me from my diagnosis, so I’m delighted to be well enough to give something back’
“I have always loved rugby and my passion for the game was one of the factors that’s really helped me get through those dark days. It’s In The Bag supported me right from my diagnosis, so now and I am delighted to now be well enough to give something back. We hope that plenty of people get behind this event, show up on the sidelines, and dig deep for It’s In The Bag so that they can help more people like me!”
The match will be kicking off at 7.30pm on Friday, March 13, at Wadebridge RFC. Tickets will be sold on the door at £5 each, with all proceeds going straight to It’s In The Bag. Curry from Rick Stein’s will be available to purchase to raise funds, and the bar will be open.
There will also be a raffle and an auction, with gifts from the Cornish Pirates, Sharp’s Brewery, and Exeter Chiefs up for grabs.
Rugby Against Cancer, set up by Aaron Beesley in 2018, is an organisation that uses the power of rugby to raise money for local and national cancer charities through a series of events such as charity rugby matches, tournaments, and local fun days.
It’s In The Bag is a South West-based charity that provides support for men with testicular cancer in the region, as well as raising awareness of the disease.
