It’s a sad day for moustache fans everywhere as Movember comes to an end. However, for students at the University of Gloucestershire, the annual Tash Bash, hosted by UOG Men’s Rugby Union team, was a great way to close off the month.
The Tash Bash is inspired by professional rugby teams, it involves the boys swapping shirts for a collar and cuffs, going heavy on the fake tan, and sacrificing their hair, free time, and dignity all in the name of charity. The charity of choice, Movember, raises thousands for men’s mental health and cancer charities; starting 20 years ago in 2003, Movember has funded over 1320 different projects, and our Rugby Union players raised over £4000 this year.
The event took place on Park Campus last Monday and cost £10 per ‘ticket’ (a bright pink shirt with the Tash Bash logo). Attendees are escorted to their seats by the Rugby Butlers, who then deliver drinks upon request from the SU bar. This year, there was a performance from the UoG Dance Society, the boys were auctioned off for cleaning and cooking meals, bidding took place for the opportunity to shave heads and do makeup, and the highlight of the event was a Full Monty style performance by some of the players, choreographed by the Dance Society.
“All the boys showing up, sacrificing their hair for charity and getting makeup, its all for such a great cause, this is my third year, I’ve been to all of them, this is the 15th year I think its been going, and I think it should last as long as the uni lasts, its a great event” says player, James Sampson.
Micheal Gamble was gifted a bottle of wine and, standing out as the emotional climax of the event, received a speech for his above and beyond efforts for the cause, running around 262 Km throughout every day of November in honour of a friend that passed. This brought the bigger message home for many attendees, it was truly heartwarming to see so many people come together not only for a great cause, but in support of a friend and teammate.
“When they gave the speech for Gamble, the applause was incredible, he’s put so much work in, hopefully the money he raised saves a life,” says teammate, Tom Llewellyn.
The Tash Bash will be back next year, with more charitable fun. Click here to learn more about Movember, and if you’d like to follow our Rugby Union team, click here to learn about their training, events, and fixtures.
