Fraser Balmain, Kieran Brookes, Lucas Guillaume and Andrew Symons were in Leicester’s Castle Gardens where hundreds of people danced and mimed to Bonnie Tyler’s classic rock anthem Holding Out For A Hero.
Led by De Montfort University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard, the event was part of his Executive Quest to raise funds for the LOROS hospice and prostate cancer charity PROSTaid.
Many of the university staff and students donned Bonnie Tyler wigs, adding to the party atmosphere for the event, and the Tigers players were joined by Leicestershire County Cricketers and Leicester City football legend Alan Birchenall.
Tigers prop Balmain said: “We had a good time. I didn’t really expect as many people to turn up. I’m not the best dancer but it was a good laugh.”
The four Tigers also played support roles in a light-hearted video which was filmed on the day and which will be posted on YouTube to help raise even more funds for the charities.
LOROS chief executive Simon Proffitt said: “We are extremely grateful to Dominic for thinking of this as part of his Executive Quest. It captured the imagination of students and the local community.”
A special stage and sound system was set up in Castle Gardens and a team led by Tim Ford, associate director at Leicester’s Curve Theatre, choreographed the flashmob/libdub stunt, guiding the crowd of around 1,000 people through simple dance moves The Rocky, The Mo Farah and The Brucie.
Tying in with the Hero theme, Leicester police commander Chief Superindent Rob Nixon brought along a group of officers who have received commendations for bravery.
He said: “We wanted to support this because it’s a great cause. Also because our student PCSOs go through their training at DMU so are part of the student community. They took part during their own time.”
“This is terrific,” added Birchenall. “Being a patron of both PROSTaid and LOROS, I was delighted to take part.
“I run out of ideas for charity events sometimes and this one was quite unique. It’s a bit tongue in cheek. It was great.”
To donate to the fundraising appeal, text ‘VCFM66 £1’ to 70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/dmu-vcflashmob
