RUGBY players have done scrum-thing special by raising hundreds of pounds for a worthy local cause through a hair-raising charity challenge.

Members of Greenock Wanderers’ men’s team raised almost £2,000 by putting down their razors and growing their facial hair throughout last month as part of the annual ‘Movember’ challenge.

Thanks to the hard work of the squad, the fundraiser has smashed its initial target of raising £300 for Ardgowan Hospice. The total amount raised currently stands at over £1,900.

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The club’s director of men’s rugby, John Dyer, told the Tele that the team had done a fantastic job to raise such a significant sum for a much-loved local charity.

Greenock Telegraph: Greenock Wanderers Men's team takes part in Movember fundraiser

John said: “There has been plenty of banter and photos taken of the guys with their moustaches, as well as a few comments about their efforts!

“The guys felt they wanted to do something to try and catch up with the ladies’ section and all the wonderful charity things that they’re getting up to.

“It was their idea to do this, and they chose the hospice because it’s such a brilliant local charity.

“We’ve started inviting charities along for our pre-match lunches to talk about what they’re doing and we actually had the hospice along to a recent one where they told us all about their good work.

“When the team started out, they only had a few hundred quid and it’s just risen from there.

“It’s an excellent effort they’ve put in and a brilliant amount they’ve raised.”

The fundraising squad mates also took part in a charity run from the Inverkip Hotel to their clubhouse at Fort Matilda to help boost their donation drive.

Greenock Telegraph: Greenock Wanderers Men's team takes part in Movember fundraiser

John added: “The guys started their charity run down at the Inverkip Hotel who were generous enough to give them some hospitality and a donation.

“From there they made their way to the Spinnaker where they were given more hospitality before they ran from there up to the club.

“I think it’s 12k in total so they were all pleased with their efforts.

“We like to think of ourselves as a community club that’s open to all, everyone is welcome and we’ve got folk from all over the town here.

“Our development officer is doing a great job of expanding the community side of things as well, it really is inclusive.

“We’re all working hard to keep that spirit going and look for ways to help out locally.”

Anyone who wants to donate to the team’s fundraiser can still do so online at https://tinyurl.com/bd2ssnts