PLUCKY female fundraisers across the region are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto a ‘dating scene’ with a difference.
More than 30 women, aged between 18 and 80 will stand in front of the camera striking a series of cheeky poses for a ‘sassy and sophisticated’ charity calendar – in aid of a host of nominated local and national charities.
Behind the initiative is Ladies First Professional Development Network – a national networking group which organises events and awards for inspirational female achievers across the UK.
The West Midlands-based organisation, headed up for the last 10 years by Balsall Common’s Tracey McAtamney, is based on three principles referred to as the three I’s – to Inspire, to Inform and to Introduce.
Tracey said: “As women, many of us struggle with confidence and with feeling comfortable in our own skin. Too often, we are dissatisfied with how we look and measure ourselves against unrealistic expectations.
“I turn 60 this year and people frequently ask how I plan to celebrate. For me, this milestone is not about a party – it is about becoming the best version of myself, both physically and mentally, and encouraging other women to do the same.
“Every woman featured in this calendar has a personal story. They have experienced loss, emotional trauma, divorce, illness, the mental and physical demands of the menopause, and the responsibility of caring for others. These experiences shape us, challenge us and ultimately define our strength.”
Among those taking part is former TV newsreader Suzanne Virdee.
Over her career she’s also been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism.
Suzanne’s chosen charity for the calendar is Women Acting in Today’s Society (WAITS), based in Birmingham.
She said: “I’m really excited to meet and make friends with all the women involved in making this calendar. Even more than that I’m thrilled to be able to shine a light on the different issues that stop women reaching their full potential and am delighted to be raising money to do something about it.”
Working behind the scenes alongside Tracey to pull the project together, are the Calendar Girls team Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR, Jane Collier of Visually Virtual Photography and Bianca Rodrigues-Perry of Bia’s Marketing, Production and PR.
Meanwhile, all the featured ladies will gather for photoshoot days at Mallory Court Hotel and Spa in Leamington in the spring ahead of the calendar’s grand reveal at a stylish red carpet screening event at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre later in the year.
Some of the charities set to benefit include Surviving Bereavement Foundation, which delivers bereavement cafes across the area, as well as: Molly Ollys; Coventry, Warwickshire and Worcestershire Mind; Prostate Cancer UK; The Giles Trust; The Esther Project; Teenage Cancer Trust; Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull; Arrive Alive; The Brain Tumour Charity; Netball Aid; Shakespeare Soroptimists; The Luca Foundation; A Child’s Heart; Anthony Nolan Trust; Safeline; Women’s Aid; The Katie Piper Foundation; Birmingham Hospice; The Friendship Project; RSPCA Coventry and District Branch; The Ruth Strauss Foundation; SAM; New Testament Church of God Foodbank.
Also looking forward to striking a pose is retired Coventry MP Colleen Fletcher and Pat Hemmings, wife of former Drifters star Roy.
