School friends bare all for Parkinson's UK

Nina Hall and Karen Ellis, pictured in the April offering with strategically placed items for the calendar

A group of women who went to school together in the 1970s have reunited to raise money for Parkinson's UK through a nude calendar.

Diane Butler, 66, from Soham, Cambridgeshire, whose husband lives with Parkinson's, led the effort to help highlight the shortage of specialist nurses.

Nearly 150 of the 200 calendars were sold in the first week.

Parkinson's UK said one in five patients lacked access to a dedicated nurse, vital for managing the illness and avoiding hospital stays.

Marie Burgess, Diane Butler and Julia Hatton, all 66, were friends at school in the 1970s

Mrs Butler's husband, Trevor, was diagnosed with Parkinson's 16 years ago.

She said the condition had changed their retirement plans, but not their love for each other.

"We have laughed and we have cried together, we cherish our memories of holidays together, and now we just make different memories," she said.

Mrs Butler came up with the idea for the calendar earlier this year and put out an appeal on social media.

The idea for Calendar Girls 2026 came earlier this year, and Diane's social media appeal drew support from friends, including several she had known since her school days in Ely.

"[It] was a fun day with my favourite girls, friends from school days, family members... Getting naked in my garden, we laughed and giggled, but we ruddy well did it," Mrs Butler said.

Julia Hatton said she had "never seen so many boobs in one place in her whole life" on the day of the photo shoot

Among the volunteers was Julia Hatton, 66, who also lives with Parkinson's.

"People just think it's the condition that gives you the shakes," she said.

"There is much more to it than that. I developed it in 2017, and it does affect my daily life more and more, but I do try to just carry on, you have to adapt to what you can and can't do", she added.

Ms Hatton said difficulties with her balance and coordination were her biggest challenges, and people did not realise the knock-on effects the condition has on families.

The December offering from the ladies featured lots of tinsel-and Santa Claus

Parkinson's UK thanked Mrs Butler and her friends for launching the fundraiser.

"Diane's story reflects the reality many families face with Parkinson's, and we appreciate her openness and creativity in helping to raise awareness and vital funds for our work," a spokesperson said.

"We hope that this fundraising challenge inspires people to get involved with Parkinson's UK, without whom, our work would not be possible."