Colleagues have posed for a fun calendar to raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie.

Employees at Alison Lea Medical Centre in East Kilbride and other NHS Lanarkshire staff have been inspired to take part in the project by Grace Watson, practice manager in Dr Helen McNeil’s surgery.

Grace’s husband was cared for at the hospice for three weeks before his death from cancer in July. She hopes the Hospice Hunnies calendar, on sale for £10, will raise vital funds.

Grace said: “I was able to spend two weeks with my husband, 24 hours a day, at the hospice, and I was provided with a bed in a family room. This meant so much to me as at the end he lost his sight and speech. I would not have been able to have this quality time had this room and bed not been available.

“If I can raise enough money to a least provide another bed for someone to spend time with their loved-one, I will be delighted.

“I have also sold dove brooches – the hospice emblem – which had a pearl in them to mark their 30th anniversary.

“I cannot do enough to thank this wonderful place as my husband was so well looked after and this helped with my grief.”

Colleagues including GPs, administration staff, domestic staff, porters, public health nurses, podiatry, maintenance, nursing staff and physiotherapists gave up time to support the project. They have modelled for each month of 2017 with colourful props and outfits, promoting a health message in each photo. Some have even been brave enough to show off a little flesh in the cheekier images.

Grace added: “The photographers offered their services for free. Throughout November, on Mondays and Thursdays, I will be making vegetarian soup and the staff have been baking cakes and bread so we can all have a hearty lunch. A donation is made to allow me to pay the printer’s cost.”

It’s hoped the calendars will be ready for distribution next week. To order one please contact Alison Gilmour at Alison Lea. Alison.Gilmour2@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk, 01355 233547.