Doncaster Rovers players return for third year of Bawtry’s famous bra bunting photoshoot

Doncaster Rovers footballers have once again swapped footballs for bras as they joined the Crown Hotel Bawtry for the third consecutive year to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Players Tom Nixon, Bayley McCann, Darren Robinson and Jordan Thomas took part in the now infamous bra bunting photoshoot outside the Crown Hotel Bawtry, continuing an annual tradition that has become a popular part of the town’s All in Pink campaign.

The photoshoot, organised as part of Visit Bawtry’s breast cancer awareness activities, uses a light-hearted approach to encourage important conversations about breast cancer, including the fact that men can also develop the disease.

Tom Nixon has supported the initiative for all three years, becoming a familiar face in the annual photographs.

Charlotte Lister, CSR & Partnerships Manager at The Crown Bawtry Collection, reigning Ms Nottinghamshire GB 2026 and creator of the Bend & Check breast cancer awareness campaign, has helped coordinate the initiative.

Charlotte said:

“Three years of getting Doncaster Rovers footballers to pose with bras outside the Crown Hotel Bawtry! I think we can officially call it a tradition now!

“I’m incredibly grateful to the players for being such good sports, particularly Tom Nixon, who has been involved since the very beginning.

“There’s always plenty of laughter during the photoshoot, but behind the photographs is a really important message.

“Breast cancer can affect men too, and I’ve spoken to men who genuinely didn’t realise that. If these photographs encourage even one person to check themselves or have a conversation about breast cancer, then they’ve done their job.

“I’m passionate about finding creative ways to raise awareness, which is also why I created Bend & Check last year. Sometimes doing something a little unexpected is exactly what gets people talking.”

The photoshoot forms part of the wider All in Pink campaign, which began in Bawtry and has now expanded into Tickhill, Epworth and Harworth.

Alongside the awareness activities, the campaign also encourages residents to donate unwanted bras.

Over the past two years, approximately 1,400 bras have been collected, with wearable bras donated to support women affected by domestic abuse and those unsuitable for reuse sent for recycling through Cancer Research UK.

The wider All in Pink initiative, alongside associated Race for Life activities, has raised more than £26,000 for cancer-related causes over the past three years.

Charlotte added:

“I’m incredibly proud of how much this campaign has grown. What started in Bawtry is now bringing together neighbouring communities, businesses and sporting organisations.

“Having Doncaster Rovers continue to support us means a great deal, and I hope we can keep this slightly unusual tradition going for many more years!”

The Crown Hotel Bawtry is an official hotel partner of Doncaster Rovers, with the annual photoshoot highlighting the ongoing relationship between the two organisations and their commitment to supporting community initiatives.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, organisers are encouraging everyone to remember the importance of checking regularly, knowing what is normal for their body and seeking medical advice about any unusual changes.