Runners bare all for fund (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

Runners bare all for fund

11:38am Thursday 14th September 2006

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A team of runners have dared to bare almost all in a calendar which aims to raise funds for cancer patients from Preston and South Ribble and promote the benefits of their sport.

Fifteen women from a Women's Running Network club in Lancashire have stripped off to pose for a calendar in an effort to raise £10,000 for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation, based at the Royal Preston Hospital.

Led by Tricia Ellis, the group, aged from 35-50, undertook secret early morning photo shoots on the beach at Blackpool, on running tracks, in woods, in fields and in gardens.

Tricia, 48, said: "Every year I do fundraising and this year I decided I wanted to raise funds for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation to help local cancer patients.

"The calendar sprang out of an idea to promote the fitness and the health benefits of running as well as to raise much needed funds for those with cancer.

"I had to convince the girls that it would be okay to take part in the calendar and after I'd explained what it was for and how it would be artistic and promote running they were begging to be in it."

Pictures of the group captured for the calendar were taken by award-winning Blackpool photographer, Aggie McGuinness, who gave her services for free. Each image of the women, from Blackpool, aims to represent a different aspect of running.

Angie said: "It's been an amazing project to be involved in and it is a real celebration of strength and character of the women involved and I hope it helps to raise funds for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation."

The calendar will be officially launched at the Pier to Pier 15k run in Blackpool on October 8.

l To order your copy of the Rosemere charity calendar call 01772 522913 or visit www.aggiemcguinness.co.uk to buy online.

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