A number of Leicester and Leicestershire legends have teamed up with LOROS to support Gary Lineker by pledging to pose in their pants and raise money for the charity at the same time.
As part of the Hospice’s ‘Undie-dogs’ campaign, which is set to launch on 11th July, well-known faces from across the city and county have agreed to pose in a pair of boxers once a specific amount is raised for LOROS.
The campaign comes after former Leicester City player, Gary Lineker, promised to present the first Match of the Day next football season in a pair of underpants if under-dogs, Leicester City, won the league.
The likes of Hollyoaks star and LOROS Patron Charlie Clapham, as well as former England and Leicester Tigers player George Chuter, cricketer Paul Nixon, who played for Leicestershire County Cricket Club and England, have jumped on board with the campaign already.
LOROS Fundraising Co-ordinator Dave Nicklin said: “With Leicester and Leicestershire on such a high at the moment following such a fantastic year, we thought, why not? Let’s get involved and raise money for a great cause at the same time.
“When we heard Gary Lineker’s promise to present Match of the Day in his pants, it was a no brainer, we all knew we had to create a campaign which would get the rest of the city and county involved, as well as showing our support for one of Leicester’s biggest legends.
“We hope the campaign will raise £20,000, which is enough to cover the cost of a patient staying on our ward for just over a month.”
Boxer Rendall Munroe, former Leicester City player Matty Elliott and former snooker player, Willie Thorne, are among others who are taking part.
Speaking about the campaign, Rendall said: “I’m never one to turn down an opportunity to raise money for charity.
“There’s a buzz in the air around Leicester at the moment and I’m so excited about working with LOROS to help ensure that feeling continues.
“Now all I need to do is make sure I raise enough money so I can strike a pose for the Hospice.”
A handful of sports teams are also supporting the campaign, as well as a number of other well-known names, who are all yet to be revealed.
Each of the celebrities, teams and organisations taking part will have an amount that needs to be raised and once that fundraising target is met, by people donating either via text or JustGiving, those taking part will release a snapshot of them in their undies.
A number of LOROS branded briefs have been designed and made by a Loughborough company, Shreddies, for some of the participants to pose in.
PR and Marketing Officer Rebecca Jones at Shreddies, said: “When Gary originally promised to present the first Match of the Day in his pants, we produced and presented to him a pair of boxers for him to potentially wear; so it just seemed natural to get involved with the ‘Undie-dogs’ campaign when we heard about it.
“We always like to support local charities and LOROS is one especially close to my heart, as they looked after my granddad.
“It’s been great seeing businesses, teams and organisations within the community really come together over the past year, so I’m really hoping people will get on board with this campaign too.”
If you, your sports team, club, business or organisation would like to get involved and take part in the campaign, then call (0116) 231 8431.
The ‘Undie-dogs’ Campaign will be running for at least six weeks, which will include the date of next season’s first Match of the Day programme.
Further details on the campaign will be released on Monday 4th July, with people able to donate from the following Monday 11th July. Keep your eyes peeled on social media, using the hashtag #Undiedogs for regular updates.
