Calendar girls bare all for a good cause
ATRIO of brave Stockport retirees have stripped off for a fundraising calendar for Breast Cancer Care.
Chris Lawton, 59, 61-year-old Marie Hogan, and Vera Jones – who is one of the oldest women in the group at 75 – joined forces with another eight ladies, all of whom holiday at the same caravan site, to form ‘the Caravan Girls.’
The women posed nude in the kitchen, by the fire and even behind the wheel of a tractor with everything from knitting to wine glasses covering their dignity.
Miss March, Chris, of Blythe Avenue, said she decided to take part because she likes a challenge.
The retired accountant said: “Apart from meeting and making friends with some fabulous ladies, I have gained confidence in how I look and my ability to deal with a unique situation such as getting naked for a photo. It’s a fantastic cause. I’m always up for a challenge and this was a big one.”
The pictures were taken by keen amateur photographer Andrew Walker, who runs Tree Tops Caravan Park in Flintshire, North Wales, with his parents Maureen and Harry.
The calendar was released on Friday, October 12 – Breast Cancer Day – with 400 copies pre-ordered and £4,000 raised already.
Chris added: “The first time stripping off was nerve racking. We always practised the shot with clothes on first, then Andrew went out of the room while we stripped and got into position.
“I loved every minute, every shot was a blast and we had such a laugh. When I saw the end result, I became quite emotional and feel very proud of what we’ve managed to achieve as ordinary ladies of various ages.”
Miss February, Marie, of Broadstone Road, a mumof-three and a grandmother-of-five, was persuaded to take part by her daughter.
“I’m so glad I did,” said Marie, who worked for an engineering firm before retiring. It’s been a fantastic way to meet some amazing women and an opportunity to do something for a good cause.”
Great-grandmother Vera, a retired care assistant from Brackley Road, was the January model, along with fellow Caravan Girl Victoria Blackburn.
She decided to take part in the calendar project because she lost her brother to cancer.
She said: “As soon as I heard about the calendar I knew I had to take part for everyone who has gone through cancer.”