Calendar girls wear their wares

Nov 20 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

TWO Northumberland women have come up with a ‘cheeky’ way of raising money for a cancer charity.

Natalia Sassetti, 21, and Carly Luther, 20, both hair stylists at Saks Hairdressing in Morpeth, have produced a ‘nude’ calendar in support of Cancer Research UK’s breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaign Join the fight for women survival.

The friends enlisted the help of female employees from other local businesses in Morpeth to bare all for the calendar – a different business for each month.

The women – aged 18 to 60 – posed for 12 photographs with strategically-placed items representing their businesses – ranging from cheeses to bagpipes – tastefully covering their modesty.

Photography was done by Michelle and Marc Fowler and the calendar was produced by Azure Printing.

Natalia and Carly were motivated to support the charity after both their families were affected by cancer.

Natalia’s grandma died nine years ago from cancer in her liver, kidney and bones.

Carly’s grandad is now in remission having suffered from prostate and bowel cancer.

The calendar is the culmination of various fundraising initiatives the colleagues have been organising throughout the year.

They did a pub crawl around Morpeth – literally on their knees – and had a silent disco, dancing outside the salon for two hours in pink pyjamas.

Natalia, of Strawberry Cottages, Stakeford, said: “Carly and I have family members who have been touched by cancer so it’s a cause very close to our hearts.

“We wanted to do something for breast cancer awareness month in October, and came up with the idea of a women-only calendar.

“We were delighted to have the help of so many other local businesses in Morpeth. It was a real team effort and women of all ages took part in the photo-shoots.”

Carly, of Fulbrook Close, Cramlington, added: “We are incredibly proud of the calendar and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved. We hope the people of Morpeth will support Cancer Research UK by buying a copy of the calendar and help raise as much money as possible for the charity.”

Carol Bennett, Cancer Research UK area volunteer manager for Northumberland, said: “It’s amazing the lengths people will go to raise money for Cancer Research UK. We’re extremely grateful to Natalia and Carly, and all of the women who took part in the calendar, for their support.”

The calendar is on sale now priced £5.

Copies are available from the businesses which took part, including Morpeth Deli , F. H. Hardy Flowers, Diamonds Beauty Bar, Michelle Fowler Photography, Accent Clothes, Elles Bridal, Su Heart, Queens Head Hotel, Secrets Lingerie, Saks, Cheese Shop and Chantry.