Written by Angeline McCall.
The University of Lincoln’s Boob Team, a group of student volunteers recruited by breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, teamed up with the Student’s Union on Friday to embrace October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The CoppaFeel team, beginning it’s second year on campus, set up a stall outside the SU donned with games and activities to raise awareness of Breast Cancer.
The charity has a vision “to live in a world where all breast cancers are diagnosed at the earliest stage possible, at which treatments are more effective and survival rates are higher.”
Unlike any other group fighting for this cause, CoppaFeel! targets to inform young men and women about the necessity of knowing and checking their breasts.
“Students tend to associate breast cancer with adults, but young people are just as susceptible to fall prey. We are targeting young people because it can become a problem regardless of age.
Many times students think cancer will elude them or they have taboos about talking about it.” Says Gabby Evans, the team’s president. “Our aim is to get people to check their boobs, eradicate the taboos, and have as many students involved in the cause.”
The fundraiser’s anticipated “Man versus Boob” contest commenced with four large, boob-shaped cakes. Four SU employees, including three sabbatical officers, competed against one another to earn the right of “Boob King”. The man who could eat the cake fastest, hands free, would gain the title. With a time of 9 minutes and 5 seconds, Callum Johnstone won.
But the contest wasn’t easy, including crumbs in one contestant’s nose, plate swiping, and even (friendly) head butting between contenders. The competition not only gathered a crowd, but bystanders put money on their expected champion. Other activities included a cake sale, guessing how many sweets in a jar, designing a onesie, and “Pin the Nipple on the Boob”. Money raised at the event will be collected and flow back into the CoppaFeel! charity to further awareness.
Lincoln’s Uni Boob Team will continue to put on events throughout the year, including a Propaganda night and Engine Shed. They also offer a text service, by texting “LINCOLN” to 70500, anyone can receive a monthly CoppaFeel reminder.
If you would like to find out more, visit http://www.coppafeel.org/ or http://uniboobteam.com/ or tweet them @UBTLincoln.