Student Pride's most inclusive sports society award winners, Newcastle University Pole and Aerial club, ran their annual "Wear Pink to Pole" programme, where members dressed in every pigment and shade during their classes in the last week of October. They also participated in a club swap with female members of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, giving students a chance to learn self-defence while introducing their peers to pole and aerial techniques, a collaboration which championed both confidence and empowerment during a period dedicated to women's strength. Their JustGiving page was widely circulated among current and past members to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Now. As shared on Instagram, "And now October has come to an end, but breast cancer awareness doesn't have to!!...this is such a great cause to raise awareness for, so if you can, please consider donating, and wearing pink to your pole class this week."
Newcastle University Pole and Aerial Club
The University GAA Club (Gaelic Football) marked the month by adding a pop of pink to their training session apparel, with girls adorning their hair with the delicate pink ribbons. Simple gestures like this from AU teams are crucial to keep the conversation surrounding breast cancer active on campus and encourage safety procedures among members.
Newcastle University GAA Club
The cricket club's women's side Welfare Officer, Issy Roberts, organised a daring icy sea plunge at King Edward's Bay in Tynemouth, followed by a soul-soothing warm beverage at Woods Coffee, raising over £700 for Breast Cancer Now. Instagram posts from the club celebrated their achievement: “Everyone SMASHED it yesterday during our very cold water dip. We have managed to raise an amazing £727 for Breast Cancer Now!! A massive thank you to everyone who has donated and supported us for Breast Cancer Awareness month!” Breast Cancer Now congratulated the students in the comment section with unwavering appreciation: “Well done to everyone for braving it to raise vital funds towards our work .”
Newcastle University's Trampoline Club held a themed social event called "On Wednesdays We Wear Pink" inspired by the 2000s cult classic Mean Girls, where all members dressed head to toe in the signature colour, with some even painting their entire faces in the hue. Donations over £2 earned participants a pair of pink love heart-shaped sunglasses to wear for the evening, helping the club raise £180.34 for Breast Cancer Now. Members Matthew (fresher) and Ryan (returner) were recognised for being best dressed. Their Instagram updates also reminded members to learn self-checking procedures and symptoms to watch out for: lumps or swelling in the breast or armpit, changes in skin, nipple discharge and other early warning signs.
Newcastle University Trampoline Club
NCL Knights, Newcastle University's Volleyball club, also participated in Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a "Pink Night" during the BUCS Wednesday game day on October 15th. Both men's and women's teams enjoyed 3-0 victories against Loughborough and Glasgow, with standout performances from players of the match Louis Jensen and Katarina Knezevic. They also held a cold dip in King Edward's Bay on October 25th, where more than 30 members braved the North Sea. The team raised an extraordinary total of £466 for Breast Cancer Now.
Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 7 women in the UK over their lifetime, and early detection is critical. By fundraising, donating and spreading awareness kitted out in pink, these clubs help support vital research, education and the healthcare support systems that women rely on. For anyone concerned about their breast health or looking to learn self-checking strategies, resources are available on the Breast Cancer Now website. The Newcastle University AU clubs have expertly demonstrated how sports and social causes can come together to create a difference right here on campus. This October was a month of solidarity and action, accentuating the resilience held within our athletic cohort, not just on the playing field but in the wider world around us, too. Whether it's proudly presenting the symbol, an endurance measuring sea submergence or taking part in a fun-themed night out, every effort leaves an everlasting impact.