'The Show Must Go On'
Members and supporters of Upton Rugby Club
Birmingham Press Club member Chris Mair has done his bit in the past helping to raise money for a Midlands hospice. But now he and his fellow supporters of a charitable organisation have had their annual fundraising day banned because they dress up as women.
Members and supporters of Upton Rugby Club have staged its 'Leo Sayer' day for 18 years, raising, with other events, over £40,000 for St Richard's Hospice. Now the Worcester-based Foundation has said they must stop in case they 'offend the LGBT community.
Mark Tomlinson who, with others, helped set up the Leo Sayer day said: “This is political correctness gone mad. The Upton community have been magnificent in their support for us, as have the management and staff at the Upton and Barnard's Green hospice shops.”
Mark explained: “Every year we buy our outfits at their shops - they get them in specially - often paying over £20 a head and then tour the town, visiting pubs and accepting donations for the hospice. Suddenly, a photo taken outside their Upton shop has triggered an outright ban. What makes it even more ridiculous is we give back the costumes so the shops can sell them on again.”
Money has also been raised from three car pushes and pink charity balls, while the Badger's Paddlers have raised funds from a raft race on the River Severn
Now the club players, plus the friends who join them, have dropped their support and will in the future focus on raising funds for other local charities.
“The stupid thing is, one of our members is 'gay' and joins in on the day,” said Mark. “We have followers all over the world and have been supported by Radio 2’s Chris Evans. I'm sure people who have benefited from the wonderful care, treatment, and staff at the hospice are not fussed that fundraisers wearing frocks are doing their bit. I want to thank all who have fed, watered, dressed, and supported us for the past 18 years, it has been truly humbling and hopefully, it will continue for our new charities.”
In response, the hospice said it would investigate the club’s complaint.
