Sidmouth pals’ naked ambition in memory of Sally
Friends strip off for charity calendar
A GROUP of Sidmouth twenty-somethings have bared all in memory of a friend’s much-loved mum.
The pals teamed up to pose naked for a calendar at the weekend to boost charities that were close to Sally Roberts’s heart.
Mum-of-three Sally, 52, died in January. She suffered from cancer and had asked for donations at her funeral to be made to FORCE and Children’s Hospice South West.
Her son Sam, 26, was among those to strip off for a fun photo-shoot with a difference in aid of both causes.
Sam’s lifelong best friend, Damon Russell, also 26, came up with the idea of raising cash for the charities.
“I really wanted to do something in Sally’s memory, for charity, and for her family,” said Damon, of Manstone Avenue. “It’s all about having fun and raising awareness.”
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Thirteen friends turned models for the weekend and posed in their birthday suits in Sidmouth, Branscombe and Tipton St John.
“We got a few funny looks,” said calendar organiser Hope Brodie, 21, of Fortescue.
“None of us have ever done anything like this before. The calendar is very Sidmouth-orientated – we wanted to bring in a part of Devon life we love so much. Everyone enjoyed the weekend – which made it so much fun.”
Hope and Damon say the calendar will be released this summer.
They thanked Dan and Jai Prettejohn of The Event Studios, who donated their photography and make-up skills respectively, and hairstylist Frances Le Puill.
Sam and Damon will also be part of a quintet tackling a 110-mile sponsored trek from Bournemouth to Sidmouth in just five days this summer.
A fundraising family fun event is planned at Sidmouth Rugby Club to coincide with their return on August 18.
“The walk and event are our main fundraising ideas, but everyone involved has been so keen to help we thought the calendar would be another great way to raise money,” added Damon.
He and Hope thanked everyone who had devoted their time to help out and said they are excited about the next challenge ahead.
? To support the group’s efforts, order a calendar, or for more information on their fundraising, email damon-russell@hotmail.co.uk
