By Douglas Whitbread via SWNS
A group of fearless veterans have ‘gone commando’ for a hilarious nude calendar.
The plucky ex-servicemen stripped off for a ‘privates on parade’ calendar in the hopes of raising thousands of pounds for charity.
The members of Bridlington Veterans Coffee Morning posed for the cameras with only a few well-chosen props camouflaging their dignity.
The aptly named calendar features military men who have served in World War Two, the Falklands conflict, the Gulf War and Northern Ireland.
And alongside the cheeky snaps, readers can read about their backstories – which describe their heroic careers and the operations in which they took part.
‘Mr October’ Mike Rubery, who spent 17 years serving on hunter-killer nuclear submarines, revealed that his wife had come up with the hysterical idea.
And he said the group hoped to raise over £3,200 for Parkinson’s UK, which supports those suffering from the brain disorder affecting movement and balance
The ex-chief petty officer said: “The calendar was my wife’s idea and as two of our members – Ray Francis MBE and Roy Muckart – have Parkinson’s, we decided Parkinson’s UK was a charity we’d like to support.
“Some of the veterans were really keen, some overly so. None more so than Ray, who served with the Royal Signals for 23 years.
“He was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and posed as Mr December to prove that although it can be debilitating, you can still be an active part of the community.
“Things shaped up quickly. The fun and laughter we had planning the shots was worth the effort alone.
“Funding from local businesses and support from the community has been phenomenal, too. We hope everyone enjoys having a giggle at our exploits.”
Ray Francis MBE, an ex- Sergeant in the Royal Signals who served in Northern Ireland, posed behind a rotary telephone wearing just an army helmet.
He had loved being part of the campaign and said the veterans group had given him a way to make lots of new pals.
Ray added: “The veterans clubs have given me a reason to get up in the morning and something to look forward to each week.
“I fully recommend any veteran to come to the coffee mornings and the breakfast club. It’s great banter and you make lots of new friends.”
The photographs were taken at the Victoria Mill Tea Rooms in Bridlington, East Yorks.
Gabriella Bailey, Associate Director of Engagement & Fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We’re delighted that the Bridlington veterans have raised both over £3500 for Parkinson’s UK and vital awareness of the condition.
“They’ve put a smile on many people’s faces too, and their bravery, camaraderie and positivity is inspiring. We thank them all for their incredible efforts.
“Fundraising powers everything we do as a charity.
“It means we can continue our mission to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through pioneering research, information, support and campaigning.”
