Loughborough Lightning are opening corporate boxes at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens free of charge to cancer patients, survivors and the nurses who have supported them on their journeys for Sunday’s clash with Saracens (kick-off 12pm).
The Premiership Women’s Rugby Round 17 encounter is embracing the league-wide ‘Big Pink Weekend’ initiative with Breast Cancer Now.
Supporters are being encouraged to wear a splash of pink for the fixture, and the Lightning players will also be wearing a one-off bespoke pink shirt, kindly sponsored by GRS Group.
In addition to these awareness and fundraising events, Lightning are opening corporate boxes for those who have been impacted by breast cancer.
The idea was the brainchild of Northampton Saints’ Commercial Events Manager, Anna Wingerath, who is a breast cancer survivor.
She said. “When I had breast cancer, one of the things that was missing was that ability to go and watch sport.
“You are immunosuppressed when you go through chemotherapy or radiotherapy. So when PWR announced they wanted to do the Big Pink Weekend, and it fell upon our home game with Saracens, I thought: how can we help? I thought the number one way we can do that is to provide private facilities for these patients to come and watch the game.”
Joining the women and their families in the East Stand at cinch Stadium are medical professionals who have helped countless people through their cancer journeys.
Wingerath added: “We’ve got staff including nurses and radiographers from the breast care teams of Milton Keynes University Hospital and Northampton General Hospital.
“It has been really heart-warming, the response we’ve had,” added Wingerath. “It is going to be incredible to have strong and powerful women on the sidelines watching these strong and powerful women on the pitch.”
Many of those attending the game were signposted there by Bosom Pals and Tit4Tat (both Milton Keynes-based) and Breast Friends (Northampton).
The initiative has also been supported by the following companies providing their services free of charge: Inter County Service Group cleaning company, Holmes and Lloyd window cleaners, and Northampton Saints’ official catering and hospitality partner, Levy, who will be staffing the boxes.
Premiership Women’s Rugby has teamed up with Breast Cancer Now this season. Text TACKLE to 70025 to donate £5 to Breast Cancer Now. Texts cost £5 + 1 standard network rate message. T&Cs apply. 16+. Ask for the bill payer’s permission first. See website for more details