A group of men from Knutsford, Cheshire, have teamed up to make everyone’s Christmas one to remember this year by releasing a bare-all naked calendar for men’s cancer, raising money for research into testicular cancer at The Christie Charity in Manchester.
The calendar has been organised by actor Adam Rickett and his wife, Katy, who own and run Dexter and Jones, the town’s bar and bottle shop.
Commenting on how the calendar came about, Adam said;
“It started as a joke between a few regulars teasing me about my naked photos during the 90s” says Adam. “They’d had a few beers and thought they could do better.. so I told them to prove it! Although I may have regretted that dare at times since, we’re hoping it will really do some good.”
Adam’s wife, Katy added; “I started asking people if they were genuinely up for it, honestly thinking nothing would come of it, but I was really moved by how many were willing to show their mettle! We managed to pull this off together in less than a month. In addition to the amazing funds we hope it’ll raise, the way it’s brought everyone together has been truly heart-warming.”
Every month features one of their regulars, or a group, each choosing props which reflect their personalities to hide their modesty. It also includes advice on how to check for cancer at home and increase awareness and dialogue, with all profits going to fund research for prostate and testicular cancer at The Christie Charity in Manchester.”
Louise Dawson Community Fundraiser, The Christie Charity commented:
“We’re very thankful to everyone involved with putting together this calendar and fundraising for The Christie Charity. Anyone purchasing this calendar will be helping The Christie with vital research into prostate and testicular cancer, as well as life-changing and potentially life-saving treatment that will benefit cancer patients both now and in the future.”
The participants involved in the shooting of the calendar all wanted donations to go towards men’s cancers. Commenting on their decision, Katy added;
“They wanted to direct the donation towards men’s cancers because these are significantly underfunded and also not talked about enough” says Katy. “There are a few innuendos in there but the whole point is it opens the conversation and gives men the confidence to check themselves and speak openly to friends about their concerns.
“On that note”, adds Adam “I’ve never been prouder of our community, this sort of thing really takes some balls!”
The photos were shot by local photographer Steve Felmingham of Altabani Studios and the calendars were printed by Chris Stuart of Design Print Create in Knutsford. Both of them gave their time for free so that all profits could go straight to the charity. They also stripped naked themselves for the back cover!
Commenting on the shoot, the calendar’s photographer, Steve said:
“Most people dislike having their photo taken, and very few people like to see themselves naked! The vast majority of the people who stood in front of my camera had never done anything like this before, but they put their reservations aside and came forward to help everyone who has been (or potentially will be) affected by the issues of men’s health. We’ve had all ages, shapes and sizes but the common factor is the lengths to which people will go to help out their fellow man.”
The calendar’s designer, Chris added:
“Working on this project has been a blast, we’ve had so much fun and laughs, and to be doing this all in the name of an amazing charity has made it even sweeter. Total fun, total respect to The Rickitts, and roll on the 2025 calendar!!”
Adam and Katy will be hosting a launch party at Dexter and Jones from 6pm on Friday 10thNovember with the first batch of calendars going on sale that night. They’ll then be available from their shop and website.
