Snapper’s ‘Lady Godiva’ fundraiser
10:30am Tuesday 27th September 2011 in News
RIDING “bareback” has taken on a whole new meaning for a Ramsbottom photographer.
Andrew Monk is launching a Lady Godiva-style calendar to help fund research into a debilitating medical condition.
He is a full-time carer to his wife, Gwen, who was stricken by multiple sclerosis (MS) 18 years ago at the age of 32.
After witnessing first hand the distressing effects of MS, Andrew decided to harness his love of horses by embarking on a project to put together an equestrian-themed calendar.
He will raise money for the Myelin Project, a charity which funds studies into MS. Fifteen equestriennes from around the UK, including local girl Louise Mooney, have been photographed for the Hot to Trot calendar. Locations include Holcombe Hill, as well as Thirsk and the shore of the Menai Strait.
Andrew, aged 50, of Carr Bank Avenue, says that he has watched a fit, healthy young woman gradually being forced to come to terms with a fearfully debilitating illness.
He said: “Last year, Gwen and I had to postpone a sponsored walk we were doing because she became just too poorly to go on it. I wanted to continue the fundraising in the meantime but had to be able to fit it in with caring full time for Gwen. The calendar seemed like a good way of doing this.
“Photography is my hobby, and because I’ve always liked horses, I decided to make it equestrian-themed. Through networking on the internet, friends and Facebook, I contacted the girls who agreed to take part.”
l To buy the calendar at £11.99, visit hottotrot.org where there is also a chance to win a signed Phil Collins self-portrait doodle.
