Ladies in the pink over new calendar

GUERNSEY has its own Calendar Girls.

Local breast cancer support group the Pink Ladies has launched a calendar of its own, just as the Rylstone Women's Institute did. The latter's exploits in the nude were the basis for a film.

The local publication features members in various scenes, from riding a galloping horse across a beach to a gathering in front of the Garenne Stand. All the pictures carry a positive message and all the women are fully clothed.

'The object is to show that there is an end in sight. You can have fun after treatment, especially in this island,' explained Pink Ladies co-founder Gillian Tidd. 'It's a calendar to inspire.'

Deputy Jean Pritchard went along to see the launch of the colourful publication with her daughter, Azy.

'I'm here to show support for the Pink Ladies and because Azy is having chemotherapy,' she said.

Health minister Peter Roffey also gave it a thumbs-up.

Clinical liaison nurse Karen Leach thought of the idea in February and the photographs were all taken by the end of August. Entrepreneur Tom Scott sponsored the project and Steve Richards took the photos.

Although the principal aim was to raise awareness, the money will go into the charity's coffers.

'It's used for comfort, to support training and give enlightenment,' said Mrs Tidd.

'We help to make people in need more comfortable and we train clinical staff and help them to support us.'

Such projects include the purchase of a laptop to help nurses study more easily.

'There are also a lot of personal requests that we fulfil.'

Mobile hairdresser Sally Rowe was delighted to be supporting the project.

'Yes, I am a breast cancer person. I'm in the calendar, too ' that's me in the chef's hat.'

Mrs Tidd said the organisation desperately wanted to get the message across to women that they should take advantage of free mammograms for the over-50s and should always go to the doctor if they are concerned.

'Don't put your head in the sand,' she said. 'I've seen too many people who have and suffered the consequences.'

*'The calendar is available in Guernsey Press shops, at Checkers and at Aladdin's Cave. For more information, call Mrs Tidd on 258402 or visit www.pinkladies.org.gg.