A BAND of selfless local bus drivers who have been affected by cancer have created two cheeky calendars as a way of raising funds and awareness for two charities.
Staff from Stagecoach Manchester’s Hyde and Stockport depots have been taking off their clothes and their naked snaps will appear in 2024 calendars, which they are selling – all in the name of good causes.
The drivers sincerely hope they will also serve as a year-long reminder for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer, and to get checked out if they notice something out of the ordinary about their bodies.
“I put a list out for male volunteers and was very surprised by the amount of interest,” said Simon Stopford, Lead Mental Health First Aider for Stagecoach Manchester.
“Then I got approached by the ladies asking if they could get involved, so we now have two charity calendars!”
The men’s calendar is in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.
Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms. People can check their risk at https://bit.ly/GMprostateriskchecker
“We wanted to raise awareness of prostate cancer as some members of the group have been affected personally by this disease,” explained Hyde bus driver David Carlyon.
“We are real men with not the best of bodies, but this didn’t matter! Quite a few of us have been touched by cancer.
“I lost my dad to prostate cancer when I was 15 and I watched him go through his treatment. It has had a lasting impact on me. The calendar is our way of doing something to help raise funds and have a bit of fun too.”
The women’s calendar is raising money for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel!
Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or change in the look, shape or feel of one or both breasts, while symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty starting to urinate or emptying your bladder.
Mum-of-two Joyce Singh, a bus driver from Stalybridge, found a lump under her left arm after taking a shower and, after going to her GP the following day, she was referred to Tameside Hospital.
The 51-year-old had a mammogram – an X-ray to check breasts for signs of cancer – and a biopsy – which involves taking a small sample of breast tissue so it can be examined under a microscope. These checks showed she had breast cancer.
In April 2023, Joyce had an operation to remove the lump in her breast, which was followed by chemotherapy and then 19 sessions of radiotherapy. She finished her treatment in October.
Taking part in the calendar, she says, has helped her regain her confidence.
“I was devastated when I heard I had cancer,” Joyce admitted. “You never think it will happen to you! The treatment was exhausting and left me very weak.
“I felt really down when I started to lose my hair, then I got a wig and started to feel a bit more like me again.
“When I heard about the calendar, I thought it would be good to raise awareness and get people talking about cancer. It gave me a bit of confidence after everything I’d been through to say ‘look at me now!’ and I didn’t wear my wig for the photos!”
Stagecoach Manchester’s Managing Director said it’s inspiring to see how much the company’s drivers care about the causes they’re supporting.
Rob Jones added: “We’re so proud of everything they’re doing to not only raise much-needed funds, but also raise awareness of the importance of checking and getting help as early as possible.”
Alison Jones, Director of Early Diagnosis at Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance, commented: “It’s brilliant to hear about these calendars and the work staff at Stagecoach are doing to raise awareness about cancer.
“Cancer survival is at an all-time high and we’re seeing more people than ever before diagnosed with cancer at an early stage – but we want to continue this progress.
“It’s important for everyone to be aware of their own bodies – please look out for lumps and bumps or anything else that is unusual for you – and get checked out early, it could save your life.”
Anyone who notices symptoms that could be cancer is urged to contact their GP practice and come forward for checks as early as possible.