'Wild Women' from Northumberland group bare all for charity calendar

The Wild Women Adventure group displayed all for the calendar, with proceeds from sales of it going towards the invaluable work of charities FACT (Fighting All Cancers Together) and Northumberland Mountain Rescue.

The club, set up by Maggie Martin, brings together adventurous and outdoor-loving women to do activities and take part in events.

Maggie told the Gazette: “The naked calendar is our stand against socially-constructed ideas of beauty.

“It is about us facing our fears, stepping out of our comfort zone, having fun, feeling liberated and supporting each other as well as deserving local charities.”

The photoshoot took place in locations across Northumberland including Kielder, Duridge Bay, Plessey Woods Country Park, the Joiners Cottage at Preston Towers and Corby’s Crag.

Jenny Matthews, a participant in the calendar, said: “I was so nervous about showing the result of my breast surgery but no one cared.

"In my picture I'm sat next to someone who went through the same treatment – I know I'm not alone. Thank you for this freedom, it’s a wonderful gift.”

Photographer Rachel McClumpha provided the shoot free of charge and the group agreed on the charities that they wanted to give something back to.

Northumberland-based photographer Rachel added: “It’s been a unique experience for me because when I normally see other women naked it’s in movies or magazines, places that don’t always show normal bodies of everyday women.

“So seeing all the diversity and beauty of the 'Wild Women' has made me more accepting of myself too.”

The calendar is now on sale and can be purchased here.

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