A number Derry’s best known personalities, including the city's mayor, are featured in a 'naked calendar' aimed at raising awareness of the fight against cancer.

Emmette Dillon whose mother, 45-year-old Annemarie, passed away in February this year, has been the driving force behind the 1955 LegenDerry Charity Calendar.

Annemarie was diagnosed with cancer aged just 39.

Emmette, 26, said he drew strength from his mother’s determination and courage and felt he wanted to do something to raise money for cancer charities.

He teamed up with someone else who had gone through losing someone to cancer and the project gained momentum.

 'Tommy White from APM Marketing and I were inspired by the 'Stand up to Cancer' footage,' he said.

'Having both lost loved ones to cancer we agreed we had to do something to raise awareness of the ever changing nature of the disease and raise much needed funds for two incredible organisations the Foyle Hospice and Macmillan who support the hundreds of families affected by cancer in our city.

'More importantly, we wanted people to be familiar with their bodies as early detection of even slight changes is key to preventing a diagnosis in the first place as well as catching it as early as possible.”

Emmette said they drew inspiration from the film Calendar Girls.

'We set up a Facebook page and sent out an open call for brave participants, politicians, those with production experience and business sponsors to sponsor £100 per month to get involved.

'I have to say the support came in thick and fast, it was so overwhelming,' he said.

Emmette said it was very important to people from all walks of life involved in the calendar because of the indiscriminate nature of the disease.

'We were adamant that local businesses ask their staff to get involved as models, as cancer affects everyone, regardless of your profile, income, race or religion,” he said.

He said a 'special word of thanks' was due to the calendar's 'cover stars,' Mayor Brenda Stevenson and SDLP Councillor Shauna Cusack.

He added: 'I was honoured to have our first citizen lend her support to the campaign.

'I feel that Brenda's willingness to go that extra mile in such a selfless manner is to be commended; she is truly a ground breaking ambassador for our city.

Also featured are two of Derry’s brightest musical and modelling talents, Jilly St John (picture above)and Dylan Reid.

Emmette thanked everyone who has taken part in or contributed to the making of the calendar.

“I appreciate that this calendar may not appeal to everyone but if our brave models can bare to create awareness I believe that even the most modest of shoppers can purchase our calendar.

“The money raised will make a dramatic difference to the Foyle Hospice, which has running costs of an estimated £3 million a year, and Macmillan who provide unparalleled support services.”

Emmette dedicated the calendar to his mother.

“Campaigns like this will ensure her legacy lives on, she was passionate about ensuring the very essence of cancer support and palliative care these organisations provide is promoted,” he said.

“It ensures that families can life full, rich lives and share as many treasured memories as possible, she called her palliative care nurse, Rose Green and all the doctors and nurses at the Hospice ‘walking angels’.

“Let's help inspire hope and ensure that fewer families have to share in the pain of loss.”

For further details visit the Facebook page, Derry Charity Calendar 2015.

More information and a link to purchase the calendar can be found on the new website, www.legenderrycalender.com, which will go live next week.

Emmette can also be contacted on 07595171814.

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