Hunt supporters bare all to support Brain Tumour Research

The rural community of East Devon has united to create a naked calendar which has so far raised over £13,000 for Brain Tumour Research. Hunt supporters, farmers and their friends braved the photo shoot for the fundraiser that was supported by 60 sponsors who covered the printing costs of the 2,500 calendars.

The team behind this initiative was inspired by 29-year-old Shaun Carter, joint-master of the East Devon Hunt, following his diagnosis with a brain tumour earlier in the summer to whom we send our best wishes. Mr Carter, who has a young family and is currently undergoing invasive chemotherapy, is "Living His Best Life" and aiming to spread the word to "live every day as if it is your last". Shaun's advice to all is "to take every opportunity you have and to look after those around you", a mantra he has been living by since his diagnosis.

Former young farmer and professional photographer, Cat Down, co-ordinated the project and was clear to ensure that "nothing was on show" whilst producing the images for the calendar. She said: "The support for Shaun and his family has been phenomenal and I was completely surprised by the list of volunteers who responded to the request to get involved. There were more than 80 people from the Devon hunting community taking part in the calendar with volunteers from over 10 different hunts getting involved."

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance praised those involved: "Hats off to all those who bravely modelled for and supported this fundraiser for Brain Tumour Research. This type of community spirit – which would have taken some people out of their comfort zone – is typical of how those in the hunting and farming communities pull together to support those who are going through a difficult experience. It's a stark reminder to us all that we have to make the most of everyday because we do not know what is around the corner."

You can order a calendar or make a donation to Brain Tumour Research found here.