October has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to recognise the importance of early detection in young people, Bath University Boob Team (BUBT) has organised 22 pink and glittery collaborations with societies and sports groups.
October has been Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to recognise the importance of early detection in young people, Bath University Boob Team (BUBT) has organised 22 pink and glittery collaborations with societies and sports groups. Thanks to the initiative and creativity of the groups, over 860 Bath students have taken part in 43 hours of arts and sports activities. But most importantly, have learned about the amazing job of CoppaFeel!, the charity BUBT represents on campus.
With this article we aim to spread awareness on breast cancer, recognise the importance of monthly chest checks, and give a shout out to all the SU groups involved in dressing campus in pink this month.
What is CoppaFeel!?
CoppaFeel! was founded in 2009 by Kris Hallenga and her twin sister Maren, after Kris was diagnosed with incurable (stage 4) breast cancer at the age of 23. It’s the first breast cancer charity in the UK to focus on young people, with the aim of educating them on how and why they should start checking their chests from a younger age.
Breast cancer can affect anyone of any gender, so whether you’re a guy, gal, or non-binary pal, we want you to know you’re normal and get into the habit of checking your chest.
There is a common misconception that breast cancer only affects women over 50, but this is far from the truth. Around 2,500 women under the age of 39 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, which is why it is so important to start self-checking from a young age. The earlier the diagnosis, the more treatment options available, and the higher the chance of survival and recovery.
“Copping a feel” does really save lives!
For more information on CoppaFeel!, visit their website at https://coppafeel.org/
For more information on self-checking, visit https://self-checkout.coppafeel.org/
What does Boob Team (BUBT) do and how can you get involved?
Boob team (BUBT) is here to spread CoppaFeel!’s message at Bath; we throw glitter on the serious stuff, have fun while we educate, and aim to empower all students to know their normal!
We also have some volunteering opportunities coming up so if you would be interested drop an email at su-bubt@bath.ac.uk.
This breast cancer awareness month it was more vital than ever to get the message out there to as many students as possible.
In the UK, 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and around 400 men are diagnosed each year.
So, as well as parading around in the boob costume, we also run many events with all your favourite societies… here’s what we’ve been up to this October:
Boob Team Pub Quiz – Tuesday 30th
Our first event was a lively pub quiz at Slug and Lettuce, featuring rounds on breast cancer awareness, general knowledge, and pop culture. Winners walked away with flowers, chocolate, and free entry to the annual Boob Ball happening in Semester 2.
Rugby Union Online Awareness Campaign – Wednesday 1st
To inaugurate Pink Month, we partnered with Rugby Union (UBRFC) to develop an Instagram campaign that spreads the life-saving message further and get more young people to check their chests. The reel was a total success, reaching a total of 16.5 K views on Instagram! Check it out: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPQkF-Yipyj/?igsh=MXMzaDU1Mmt6d3YzeA==
Jiu Jitsu Training Talk – Saturday 3rd
Boob team paid a cheeky visit to one of Japanese Jiujitsu’s training sessions on the 3rd October. We joined in on the training, gave a boob talk to educate them on the importance of checking their chest, and they even did some cool dive rolls and flips over the famous inflatable boob.
Mystery Pink Film Screenings – Monday 6th and Thursday 9th
“Boob team kicked off October with a collab with Film soc, showing two female-led films. With 40+ in attendance both nights, Pink Week was a success!” – Film Society
Volleyball Charity Tournament – Sunday 12th
“Our first Play It Pink tournament of the month was on Sunday 12th in collaboration with Volleyball. It was so great to see so many people come together for the pink volleyball tournament. Everyone got to meet new people while also collaborating towards raising money for breast cancer awareness. It was such a fun event to run and participate in and I can’t wait for another collab with the BOOB team!” – Volleyball
Tote Bag Painting Session – Thursday 16th
“Last week, we combined sustainability and awareness in a reusable tote bag painting event hosted by the Sustainable Fashion and Boob Societies in support of CoppaFeel. From Le Chat Noir designs to city skylines, our members showcased their creativity and artistic flair! It was a memorable evening filled with expression, community, and advocacy for breast cancer awareness — keep an eye out for more exciting and engaging events to come!” – Sustainable Fashion Society
Pink Football Training Session – Friday 17th
After a Pink Sports Showcase in Freshers’ Week, Boob Team and Uni of Bath Association Football and Futsal Club (UOFFC) collaborated once again to deliver a pink training session and put forward a fundraising campaign. Donate at https://thesubath.enthuse.com/pf/coppafeel
Netball Charity Bake Sale – Friday 17th
Netball has been very active this October, organising Development and Mixed Netball Charity Tournaments, a Charity Pub Quiz, and a Yoga Charity Session. Boob Team was very happy to participate in their Bake Sale and spread awareness on breast cancer while selling cupcakes and biscuits.
Women’s Rugby Charity Game – Wednesday 22nd
Dressed in pink, Boob Team and Bath students cheered to Women’s Rugby playing against Bristol at their league game raising awareness about breast cancer.
Ballet and HipHop Dance Classes – Thursday 23rd
“On Thursday 23rd October we held ballet and hip-hop classes where everyone came dressed in pink to show their support for breast cancer awareness! Everyone looked amazing, and the classes were so fun! A member of Boob Team committee joined us to share the importance of checking your chest regularly and encouraged everyone to sign up for the text reminder service.” – Dance Society
Tennis Training Session – Thursday 23rd
“It was amazing to get involved with Breast Cancer Awareness month for this week at tennis! We got everyone stuck in by dressing in pink and sharing the great work that the charities are doing. Everyone had a bit of fun and it was great to raise awareness for an important cause.” – Tennis
Pink Party Night – Thursday 23rd
Just like last year, a club in Bath reached out to organise a fundraising collaboration. It was a fun night with temporary tattoos, pink glitter, stickers, and ballons to spread the important message of regular chest checks.
Yoga Charity Class – Sunday 26th
“We held a fundraising yoga class in collaboration with Bath Boob Team to raise money for CoppaFeel , a charity that helps raise awareness of breast cancer amongst young people. The class theme was to wear pink and was a great opportunity to have a relaxing Sunday evening class as well as creating conversation around the issue with young students.” – Yoga Club
Pink Ribbon Crochet Making Session – Monday 27th
“On Monday, the Boob Team collaborated with the Crochet and Knit society. In the session, beginners were taught how to make boob coasters and pink ribbon brooches to wear in support of CoppaFeel!” – Crochet and Knitting Society
Basketball Charity Tournament – Tuesday 28th
“This Pink October, the Basketball Society teamed up with the Boob Team to host a 3v3 Breast Cancer Awareness Month tournament. With 24 teams on court, the day was packed with energy, friendly rivalry, and plenty of pink. Between games, people donated, posed for photos, and picked up some fun pink tattoos in support of the cause. It was a fun, meaningful event that not only brought everyone together for a cause that matters but also educated many about a topic that is not talked about enough.” – Basketball Club
Amplify Online Campaign – Wednesday 29th
“AMPLIFY is a proud partner of the University of Bath Boob Team, working together to highlight the inequalities towards women’s healthcare. Health is the foundation to living well, yet women’s concerns remain unheard and disproportionately left out of research.
Not only does this issue cause continuous anxiety and suffering for women but can stop them from living and enjoying life to the fullest. Moving forward, women deserve to have their voices heard.” – Amplify
Bath–Bristol Fundraising Marathon – Thursday 30th
“UBVCC take on Breast Cancer with a pink half marathon from Bath to Bristol on the 30th of October. Raising awareness for CoppaFeel! with the fantastic support of BUBT. Donate at https://thesubath.enthuse.com/pf/ubvcc-take-on-breast-cancer” – Cricket Club (UBVCC)
Our Goal for the Academic Year 2025/2026
With all these events and campaigns we run, Boob Teams’ main mission for this year is to get as many people as possible signed up to the free monthly text message reminders to check your chest. To sign up, just text UBT BATH to 82228!
Check out our fundraising page to contribute a donation at https://thesubath.enthuse.com/pf/coppafeel and follow us on Instagram to stay updated on all upcoming events at @sububt.
We appreciate anything you can give!
This academic year has really started with a bang, and we can’t wait to keep spreading the boob-love throughout the year and see more wonderful students getting involved!