Highland Hospice ‘Calendar Girls’ overwhelmed by support from Inverness residents
Live life to the best that you can and don’t let cancer rule is the clear message from a group of inspirational ladies involved in a fun charity calendar.
The six women - Robyn Hammond, Tracey Lyon, Karen Watson, Kathreen Hunter, Sarah Warner and Helen Mulgrew - who are living with life-limiting illness have officially launched the product after a ‘Calendar Girls’ photoshoot.
They attend a weekly group therapy session in Highland Hospice’s rehabilitation and wellbeing department.
• Inverness businesswoman Alison McRitchie helps Highland Hospice ‘Calendar Girls’ fulfil their dream
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“This was primarily for fun but also the serious side of body image and showing that we are more than our bodies - and it doesn’t matter if you have scars or have lost your hair, you’re still a person and you’ve still got worth,” Karen said.
“The reaction has been amazing. I don’t think any of us expected the support that we’ve had. It’s been very positive.”
And her message to others living with cancer: “You are more than the cancer. The cancer is just a tiny part of them. While you can, just live life to the best that you can, enjoy yourselves and don’t let cancer rule.”
Kathreen suggested doing things outwith your comfort zone, admitting she was a bit doubtful about the calendar but was delighted with the end result.
“I wasn’t very keen at the start, but I went with the flow and really enjoyed the experience,” she said.
“There have been a lot of positive and encouraging comments, especially on Facebook.”
The calendars are £10 each and all the profits will be donated to the hospice.
The photoshoot took place in Ness Walk Hotel, photographed by Alison White with hair done by The Head Gardener and make-up by Laura Williamson of the city’s Angel Beauty Salon. The calendars are available to purchase in The Head Gardener, Willow & Blue and Rebel Row as well as being stocked by some of the hospice’s retail outlets including its headquarters and cafes.
Staff at the hospice rallied to enable the group’s dream to become a reality - only made possible down to the generosity of big-hearted Inverness businesswoman Alison McRitchie, who sponsored the calendar’s photography and printing costs.
She is passionate for people to understand there is more to the hospice than end-of-life care.
“The journey these ladies are going through smashed their self-confidence and self-esteem,” said Alison, owner of the city’s The Head Gardener, which hosted the official launch event. “But I love the fact that when you get a bunch of ladies together look at what can happen.
“They are so brave, so courageous, so inspirational and the response has been phenomenal.”
Some of the group will be involved in the annual fundraiser Catwalk for a Cause for the hospice, showcasing inspirational people who have had their own battle with life-limiting illness. Alison organises that event and last February’s outing raised an incredible £73,000 - and the models have been selected for next year’s Catwalk which takes place on February 8 at the Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
The event will include a tribute to her friend Sandra Patience, who died from cancer in May.
“The stories [from people involved] are going to blow people away,” Alison said. “The love and the support in the room means I just can’t wait to be a part of it again.”
