Derry’s naked calendar hits the shelves

Liam Stewart and the boys from Raw Muscle Gym in Derry.

The calendar was organised by 26-year-old Emmette Dillon to raise funds for both the Foyle Hospice and MacMillan Cancer Care Nurses.

Altnagelvin staff nurse Emmette came up with the idea after losing his mother Anne Marie McFadden to cancer in February. She was just 45.

“To be honest we were blown away by the response,” Emmette said. “We were advised to have celebrities but for me it was important to have local people because cancer doesn’t care who you are or how much money you have in the bank. It doesn’t discriminate and so I wanted to make sure everyone, all shapes and sizes, were represented.”

Among those taking part were employees from local bars, well-known figures from fitness and sporting circles and even someone who has previously battled with anorexia, Jilly St. John.

Emmette himself also stripped off, saying he wouldn’t ask anyone else to do anything he wouldn’t do himself.

“I’d rather have 10 minutes of mild embarrassment when you compare it with six months of cancer treatment.

“At the end of the day my mother will never see me get married, never see any of my children. Cancer has robbed many people of milestones in their lives, and we are asking people to ‘be brave, be body aware and be cancer free’. That is our motto.

Emmette Dillon pictured with some of the staff from The Bentley Bar.

“And one of the nicest things is that many of those taking part said they found it an affirming and empowering experience.”

Those featured in the calendar are from RAW Muscle, Elite Aesthetics in Springtown; The Bentley Bar; The Magnet Bar; Cosh Bar, Coshquin; Rosemary Wright at Ashburn Image, Eglinton; Cafe Soul; Derry City Council; Edel MacBride Knitwear; Sunflower Alley; Chocolate Clothing; Syenna, Pump Street.

Emmette also praised Maytor of Derry Brenda Stevenson for her bravery in appearing.

The calendar is now available from the Calendar pop- up shop, Foyleside; Foyle Hospice shops at Foyleside (formerly Monsoon) and Waterloo Place (next to City Man); Cafe Soul; Legenderry Warehouse No.1; Chocolate Clothing; Bentley Bar; Edel MacBride, Unit 20, Craft Village or at www.legenderrycalender.com.

Emmette has also penned a song for the Foyle Hospice in memory of his mother entitled ‘Will You Walk with Me?’, which will be released in April 2015. Local musician Dylan Reid has composed the music for the single and Emmette has asked anyone who can help with its production to contact him directly on 07595 171814.