Plucky female fundraisers across the region are stepping out of their comfort zones and onto a ‘dating scene’ with a difference!

More than 30 women, aged between 18 and 80 will stand in front of the camera striking a series of cheeky poses for a ‘sassy and sophisticated’ charity calendar - in aid of a host of nominated local and national charities.

And among those taking part is a familiar face on local and national screens, former TV newsreader Suzanne Virdee. 

Behind the fun initiative is Ladies First Professional Development Network - a national networking group which organises events and awards for inspirational female achievers across the UK. 

The West Midlands-based organisation, headed up for the last 10 years by Tracey McAtamney, is proudly based on three principles referred to as the three I’s - to Inspire, to Inform and to Introduce. 

Tracey said: “As women, many of us struggle with confidence and with feeling comfortable in our own skin. Too often, we are dissatisfied with how we look and measure ourselves against unrealistic expectations.

“I turn 60 this year and people frequently ask how I plan to celebrate. For me, this milestone is not about a party - it is about becoming the best version of myself, both physically and mentally, and encouraging other women to do the same.

“Every woman featured in this calendar has a personal story. They have experienced loss, emotional trauma, divorce, illness, the mental and physical demands of the menopause, and the responsibility of caring for others. These experiences shape us, challenge us and ultimately define our strength.

She added: “Each photo represents a unique story and serves as a celebration of resilience, individuality and everything that makes a woman extraordinary.

“My hope is that participating in this project - standing in front of the camera - will build confidence and self-esteem. At the same time, it shines a light on issues women face and raises much-needed funds for the charities who support us throughout our lives.”

Likely the most recognised of those supporting the calendar project is Suzanne Virdee, an award-winning TV news anchor and freelance journalist who has presented the ITV National News, ITV News London, Channel 5 News and BBC Breakfast, as well as reporting for BBC Radio 4. She’s best known in the Midlands for co-presenting the 6.30pm BBC regional news programme Midlands Today alongside Nick Owen for 11 years.

Over her career she’s also been a passionate supporter and mentor to women starting out in journalism. And as a published author of A Girl’s Guide To Being Awesome and the best-selling A Teenager’s Guide To Being Fabulous, she empowers young girls with advice on navigating the difficult teenage years.

Suzanne’s chosen charity for the calendar is WAITS (Women Acting in Today’s Society), based in Birmingham. 

She said: “When I was asked to be part of this project I absolutely had to say ‘yes.’ I am passionate about helping to empower all women to flourish in every area of their lives and this is a brilliant and fun way to do it. 

“I’m really excited to meet and make friends with all the women involved in making this calendar. Even more than that I’m thrilled to be able to shine a light on the different issues that stop women reaching their full potential and am delighted to be raising money to do something about it!”

Working behind the scenes alongside Tracey to pull the project together, are the Calendar Girls team Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR, Jane Collier of Visually Virtual Photography and Bianca Rodrigues-Perry of Bia’s Marketing, Production & PR.

Meanwhile, all the featured ladies will gather for photoshoot days at Mallory Court Hotel & Spa in Leamington in the spring ahead of the calendar’s grand reveal at a stylish red carpet screening event at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre later in the year.

Some of the charities set to benefit include Surviving Bereavement Foundation, which delivers bereavement cafes across the area, as well as: Molly Ollys; Coventry, Warwickshire & Worcestershire Mind; Prostate Cancer UK; The Giles Trust; The Esther Project; Teenage Cancer Trust; Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull; Arrive Alive; The Brain Tumour Charity; Netball Aid; Shakespeare Soroptimists; The Luca Foundation; A Child’s Heart; Anthony Nolan Trust; Safeline; Women’s Aid; The Katie Piper Foundation; Birmingham Hospice; The Friendship Project; RSPCA Coventry & District Branch; The Ruth Strauss Foundation; SAM; New Testament Church of God Foodbank.

Just some of the businesses represented include: Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva of the Rep Theatre; Suzanne Draper and Tara Robinson of Mallory Court; Alsters Kelley Solicitors; Jamieson Christie Wealth Management; Sue Cressman of Nailcote Hall Hotel & Golf Club; Debbie Hickey of Shipston Jewellers; Elinor Perry of Pentlands Accountants; Paola Spiga of Glam & Glow Beauty Lab; Kirsty Leahy of KLP; Siobhan Rowlands of St James Place and mother and daughter pairings of Ruth and Gillian Bridges of J Roberts SPV Ltd; Pauline Edden and Jo Quigley; and Isabella Moore and Sophie Howe of The Olderpreneur Alliance and Comtec respectively. 

Sponsors interested in getting involved are invited to contact Tracey McAtamney at: tracey@ladiesfirstnetwork.co.uk

Ladies First holds monthly meetings which hear from inspirational speakers, provide informative business skills workshops and make new introductions. 

The group welcomes members and drop-in guests and is an inclusive network involving women of all backgrounds and cultures regardless of what stage they are at in their business life or career, the only requirement being that you have aspirations and the desire to help other women!

Photos by Jane Collier of Visually Virtual Photography.