Retired ladies bare it all for breast cancer
Breaking down stereotypes
A group of ladies at a retirement community in Oldham are baring it all for a charity calendar which will raise money for Cancer Research UK. The calendar was organised by a group of ladies who are part of the St Herbert’s community on Wellington Street in Chadderton managed by Housing & Care 21. It will be launched on Wear it Pink Day – Friday 19 October. The ladies hope the calendar will help break down the stereotype faced by the older community and also help find a cure for breast cancer.
The ladies photographed in the calendar have all lived through different experiences of breast cancer – Pauline Bate, a 68 year old former nurse is currently going through radiotherapy while another lady involved, Megan Skibinski – a 69 year old former fruit picker has had a mastectomy after battling the disease herself. The other ladies photographed in the calendar have supported family and friends who have suffered in the past.
“Over the years I have been through a variety of different health conditions,” commented Megan Skibinski. “So to be part of a great project like this where we can contribute to the search for a cure… well, it just means the world to me.
“We are all aged between 60 and 90 years old. It really just shows that age knows no bounds and to me – that is absolutely marvelous!”
The ladies became friends after meeting at St Herbert’s Court, a retirement scheme which provides housing for people over the age of 55 in Chadderton. The Court is managed by Housing & Care 21, a not-for-profit provider of independent living for older people of modest means, on behalf of Oldham Council.
Tara Harrop, court manager at St Herbert’s Court said: “I am so proud of the ladies involved; they have worked tirelessly to make this calendar happen for a wonderful cause.
“Many of the ladies are battling with their own health conditions or looking after loved ones with various illnesses but they continued to give 100 per cent commitment to producing an amazing calendar that we hope will raise lots of funds for Cancer Research UK.
“The calendar will also put St Herbert’s Court on the map as a great place for older people to attend, get involved and have fun! They’ve certainly showed the great things that happen when a community comes together!
Councilor Hannah Roberts, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are delighted to support these ladies and congratulate them for taking part in this calendar shoot.
“We all know it’s a bit of fun but by taking their clothes off for charity these brave ladies are doing their bit and helping to raise awareness of breast cancer.
“Please support their fundraising efforts and buy a copy of the calendar!”
900 copies of the calendar will be on sale at St Herbert’s Court for £5 each following the launch party on 19 October.
Jane Bullock at Cancer Research UK said: “We wish the ladies at St Herbert’s Court well in their fundraising ventures.
“Cancer Research UK relies on the generosity of supporters and receives no government funding for its life-saving research. Every step the charity makes towards beating cancer relies on every donation made.”
Photographs for the calendar were taken free of charge by Lisa Marie Gee, from Studio G Photography, based in Oldham
If you’d like to buy a copy contact Housing & Care 21 on 0370 192 4444
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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