Women '˜Dare to Bare' with calendar for Kettering and Wellingborough charities

After meeting at the coffee mornings organised by Crazy Hats at its Wellingborough office, Amanda, Debbie, Jayne, Loraine, Lucy and Nila decided they wanted to give something back.

It has resulted in the women, who are aged from early 40s to 70, stepping out in front of the lens for a calendar in support of the Crazy Hats Breast Cancer Appeal and Kettering’s Cransley Hospice.

Debbie said: “The calendar has come about for a number of reasons.

“To begin with, it’s our way of giving back to two charities - Crazy Hats which helped all of us when we had breast cancer and Cransley Hospice, which cared for our friend Katie and supported her family before she passed away from secondary breast cancer last November.

“We also want to raise awareness among our audience of the importance of self-examination, how to do it and what to look for, and attending mammograms.

“And last but not least, to enjoy quality fun time together as a group of friends creating something positive out of our shared cancer experience.”

The pictures were taken over three photoshoots, with the majority taken in a room which had been turned into a studio at Kettering Park Hotel.

Other pictures were taken over two days on locations in the changing room at Northampton Saints rugby ground and Towcester Racecourse, as well as Silverstone Circuit and Loraine’s back garden.

They have covered all the production costs through sponsorship from local businesses so any money raised by the calendar sales will go directly to the charities.

And after choosing and editing the photos for each month, the ladies have a couple of favourites.

Debbie said: “A big favourite is February, so much so that we’ve decided to use it on the front cover of the calendar.

“It just seems to show each of us at our best, happy and comfortable with our bodies, and capture the mood of the day it was taken - a fun-filled day spent with good friends.

“Another very popular one is the garden party image for May which was done in true ‘Calendar Girls’ style in Loraine’s back garden.

“It’s also very poignant as it features our dear friend Katie’s photo and her daughter Emma.

“Katie would have loved being part of the calendar and we’ve dedicated this shot to her.”

The calendar was launched at a special event at Kettering Park Hotel on September 30, just ahead of the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

It can be bought via the website at www.daretobarebc.co.uk or through the charities.

For more information, search for ‘Dare to Bare - to be breast aware’ on Facebook.