Issue 146

Check out your balls and boobs!

09th October 2006

It's Pinkathon time again and RAG have lost their clothes. So they don't feel really silly, they're having a party to make it look deliberate. The event is staged to raise awareness of breast and testicular cancer, and to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign Charity. If you fancy seeing a load of men in drag, while doing some nifty charity work, all while having an awesome time, check out the events on October 16 in Fulton House and DV8

You may have noticed that the banners on the cover of this issue of the Waterfront are pink. (Not to mention the Waterfront website! - Ed.)

There's a very good reason for this – this year's Pinkathon is on Monday 16th October. The Pinkathon is one of RAG's many fundraising events. The new President of RAG, Beccie Parr, wants to raise more money this year than ever before for Breast and Testicular Cancer Awareness. She said 'It's the Pinkathon, but actually it's blue as well. It's about raising money and awareness for testicular cancer as well as breast cancer.' For many girls, breast cancer awareness is something that is, quite literally, close to our hearts, but the Pinkathon is also about getting men to have a good rummage in their pants – all for the good of their health of course!

Last year's Pinkathon was a dragtastic event, featuring many men in bras, and this year's event promises to be no exception. It managed to rake in £648.37 by the auctioning of bras and yfronts, donations made on the door, games and 'guess how many condoms in the jar'.

This year's events promise all sorts of fun and entertainment. In the afternoon, RAG will be selling all sorts of delicious treats at their bake sale in Fulton House, with the help of Reggie the Rag dragon, who will be appearing throughout the Pinkathon.

The evening Pinkathon will be held in newly refurbished DV8. Pink and Blue Cocktails will be on sale to get you all in the party mood. The Sabbs are fully on board, and will be joining the raggers in dressing up in their best underwear (you'll have to be there to see their choice of lingerie) and performing an exclusive, one off music extravaganza for your entertainment, featuring an extra special dance routine by the Sabbs and RAG committee - as choreographed by the Dance Society. Plus, a very special performance by the Pink Stripes and amazing line dancers the Dolly Pinktons. You won't see the Sabbs making fools out of themselves like this anywhere else, or for such a good cause. Afterwards the extra-special undies, as worn by the Sabbs and committee, will be auctioned off to raise even more money for Breast Cancer Awareness. Beccie says 'The Pinkathon is always a great night, and for freshers it's ideal because not only is it a great cause but you'll get to meet people from all years and stages of study at the university'.

So what to wear? Beccie says, 'Boys are encouraged to wear bras outside their clothes, and girls to wear Y-fronts'. Sheryl of the RAG committee adds; 'People should try to come dressed in pink - in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness - or blue -in aid of Testicular Cancer Awareness or, a combination of both! A prize will be given to the best fancy dress so everyone should make an effort!' Bunny ears will be on sale for £1.50 for those wanting something extra to add to their costume. The fun starts at 8pm in DV8, and entrance will be by suggested donation on the door of £2. www.myspace.com/UWS_rag.

Check your nuts

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer in young men aged 20-45. Like breast cancer, testicular cancer affects women too - not physically but because men are more likely to talk about a problem like suspected cancer with a girlfriend or partner than another man. Plus, women often notice the symptoms before men do - a regular 'examination' (purely for health reasons, obviously) can't do any harm, and could save your life, as almost all cases of testicular cancer are treatable if detected early enough.

For more information: www.checkemlads.com

Feel yourself up

While breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Women over 50 are much more likely to contract breast cancer, and in the under 25 category the risk of breast cancer is very low, only one in 15,000. However, it doesn't matter what age you are, you should still be breast aware. This doesn't mean examining your breasts on a set day or time, but just knowing what is normal for you, by look and feel. This is something you men could lend a hand or two with, give the special lady in your life an educational squeeze!

Learn more at www.breastcancercampaign.org.uk

Charlie Duff