TWO BARNSLEY blokes have bared all in a daring bid to raise money for men’s cancer charities.
Mick Uttley and Ian Cranmer are the local stars of the hilarious Fat Lads calendar featuring a group of podgy blokes from across Yorkshire who have recreated a series of famous images from the entertainment world for people’s amusement.
It’s seen Mick, 40, having to strip off in the middle of a town centre and kit off on a playing field in Stockbridge at dawn - but he’s taken it all in his stride.
“It doesn’t bother me kitting off. It’s not gratuitous, it’s tasteful,” said Mick, who lives off Old Mill Lane.
“Some of the shots are really funny and are a take on some iconic photos like The Beatles’ Abbey Road photo. We were in Rotherham town centre at 5.30am for that. You wouldn’t believe how busy it is at that time.”
Despite the laughs along the way, Mick, who works at Potters Ballotini, said there is a very serious message in what they’re doing - raising cash for Prostate Cancer UK and the Sheffield Hospital Charity to help testicular cancer care.
Mick was quick to sign up and help as the causes are close to his heart. He said: “The reason I’m doing it is my dad had prostate cancer and he came through the other side but not everyone is that lucky. We want to raise £10k or £12k and have a laugh in the process.
“The main thing is you do your bit.”
The calendar was shot by Mick’s mate, photographer Richard Gaynor, who also ditched his clothes to get in front of the camera.
Inspiration for the charity project came after Richard posted a photo of himself on social media recreating the Demi Moore pregnancy pose that graced the front cover of Vanity Fair.
His Facebook feed ‘went bonkers’ and within a couple of days the Fat Lads Calendar was in motion. Four weeks later he had 11 blokes signed up to strip off and five months down the line and it is almost ready to be released.
The calendar, complete with lots of ‘dad bods’ and ‘man boobs’ has caught the attention of the nation.
Mick said: “The response has been phenomenal. It’s gone crazy.”
The calendar will be available to buy from November 1. Visit www.fatladscalendar.co.uk or contact the group on Facebook to pick one up locally.
