Naked pub-goers raise charity cash
Support...front, Debbie Fitsgerald of Cancer Research, Jez Wood photographer, Richard Johnson landlord, Susan Jordan calendar organiser and Martin Johnson during the presentation outside The Cock Inn at Peatling Magna. (Picture: Andrew Carpenter/001403-2)
RUGBY legend Martin Johnson was invited to present the proceeds of a naked calendar by the brave pub regulars who had posed for it.
The former England team captain and coach, who lifted the Rugby World Cup in 2003, went along to the Cock Inn, in Peatling Magna, where he was asked to present a cheque for more than £6,800 to Cancer Research UK.
Last year, a number of regulars from the pub posed – naked – in a number of locations in and around the village pub for the calendar, using pints, beer pumps and carefully placed bottles of wine to protect their modesty.
Volunteers were found among pub regulars and through an online appeal on the pub’s Facebook page.
A total of 1,000 black and white calendars were produced.
The proceeds from the calendar, which were sold for £6 each, were all to be presented to Cancer Research UK.
The money raised, combined with the proceeds of an auction of promises which raised about £2,700, amounted to £6,825.
Richard Johnson, landlord of the Cock Inn, said: “One of the pub regulars was a coach at the Leicester Tigers some years ago and is a friend of Martin’s so we invited him along to present the money.
“Some of the regulars have been cracking jokes about the calendar – saying things like they can’t wait until February is over so they can turn the page over so they don’t have to look at someone any more.”
Mr Johnson said Cancer Research UK was chosen because some people in the village had been affected by the illness.
He added: “We wanted to make some sort of gesture.
“The costs of the calendar itself have been met by local businesses and local people, so all the money we raise can go to the charity.”
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Friday 24 May 2013
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