Staff in Harrogate District Hospital’s Emergency Department have (almost) bared all in a cheeky charity calendar inspired by a former colleague who died of cancer in September 2015.
The male staff members – now known as the Calendar Boys – have stripped off to raise money for the Emergency Department and Harrogate Hospital & Community Charity.
The 2016 calendar is inspired by former colleague and cover star Chris Skeels, who was a much loved Charge Nurse in the Emergency Department. Chris, who was incredibly proud of being a nurse and whose career spanned 40 years at Harrogate, sadly died earlier this year. Chris was and remains inspirational to the Emergency Department team. The calendar idea came from, and includes, a mischievous photo of Chris, posing in a shower with a rose between his teeth.
The calendar sees colleagues posing with props including a beach ball, a snowboard and a giant Christmas present.
Andrew Severs, Emergency Department nurse and Mr July in the calendar, said:
I think Chris would have loved what we’ve done, he would have wholeheartedly supported it. He did love having his photo taken!
I am honoured to take part and although it was nervewracking stripping off, the cause is totally worth it. If the Calendar Girls can do it, why can’t I?! I did have a very large beach ball to hide my modesty, of course!
The calendar can be purchased from the Emergency Department secretaries for £10, please email: anne-marie.samuel@hdft.nhs.uk or call 01423 557384.
Dr Helen Law, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Harrogate District Hospital, said:
Chris was an excellent nurse, a superb friend and dedicated 40 years of his life to the NHS. We pride ourselves on being a close-knit team and it’s testament to his reputation among colleagues that people were keen to take part.”
The photo of Chris posing in the shower was typical of him and has now led to this charity calendar, which has been a lot of fun to put together. It’s part of our efforts to keep his memory alive, and has also helped colleagues support each other through a tough few months.
Thanks go to Harrogate District Hospital porter George Hodan who took the photos.
