With the launch of the Ladies First Charity Calendar 2027, Nub News is meeting the local women behind the project to discover the personal stories, passions and causes that inspired them to take part.

From stepping outside their comfort zone to raising money for charities close to her heart, each woman has her own reason for getting involved. In this series, we find out their 'why' and what the experience has meant to them.

Amanda Chalmers, Miss September – Hatton Park, Warwick

For Amanda Chalmers, taking part in the Ladies First Calendar was an opportunity she simply couldn't refuse. When her close friend Tracey McAtamney came up with the idea as a way to mark her 60th birthday with something big, Amanda was keen to get involved and immediately offered 'to do the PR!"

For the past eight years, Amanda has run a successful one-woman PR agency in Warwick, earning several national awards for my work specialising with clients across the SME business and charity sectors.

Just this month, Amanda was named 'Best PR Agency of the Year' in the West Midlands by My Local Awards.

She is also a former journalist of 30 years and once editor of The Stratford-upon-Avon Herald, becoming the publication's very first female editor in 2014 - breaking a 160-year male-dominated tradition.

Amanda prides herself on offering affordable support to small businesses, start-ups, and charities.

Along with launching her own PR workshops, Amanda is also a respected small business columnist for local Live24Seven Magazine, all of which play a part in growing her reputation as a trusted pair of hands for brands.

Amanda's why?

For Amanda, taking part in the calendar didn't just come with being photographed, but also a lot of behind-the-scenes work with her fellow 'dream team,' leading lady and Ladies First director, Tracey McAtamney, Bia Rodriguez-Perry, and Jane Collier.

Reflecting on the experience and the value it has given Amanda, she shared: "I have learned that facing your fears ultimately makes you stronger. It's also a great example to others and a positive role model for young girls, many of whom also battle with body image, often brought on by peer pressure. If only I'd realised at that age how insignificant it actually is in the overall scheme of things."

She added she has also learned: "I can overcome even my deepest insecurities – plus we can all do anything when we support one another.

"Humour is also a great coping mechanism for me. I can laugh my way through (almost) anything. (Especially when 'Dutch courage' isn't an available option!) "

Amanda further shared: "What I've realised about myself is that there are lessons we all continue to learn, and we shouldn't be hard on our ourselves when we make misjudgements or poor decisions.

"The path to every successful business or relationship – encounters a few wrong turns along the way. But the most important thing is to learn from them. Be proud, to have high standards and set goals, but don't beat yourself up if you don't always hit them. There's always next time.

"Also, collaboration is better than competition."

One of Amanda's highlights was bringing original Calendar Girl, Tricia Stewart, on board. Tricia's fundraising inspired the Calendar Girls movie and stage musical.

"It's been very special meeting her (Tricia) and having her as our guest of honour at the event," highlighted Amanda.

Amanda's chosen charity: Molly Ollys

Explaining the decision behind her chosen charity, Molly Olly's Amanda shared: " I have known the family since Molly attended the same primary school as my two sons, and I never cease to be inspired by Rachel's tireless energy in driving the charity forward so as to help as many families as possible. This is a charity that makes a real difference to thousands of children, not just in Warwickshire but across the country. So I was thrilled when the charity became my first official client back at the start of my business journey, eight years ago."

Molly Ollys works across the UK to support children with life-threatening illnesses. The Charity provides wishes that help these children when facing very challenging circumstances. Wishes can be for equipment and essential items or toys to help keep them entertained during long periods spent in the hospital, days out, or memory items.

They have also designed a therapeutic toy, Olly The Brave, and written six illustrated books which help children, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy, to understand their treatment journey and support their emotional well-being.

The charity also works alongside the NHS to support projects within the hospitals and the community, including funding consultants in paediatric palliative medicine and the creation of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children's Hospital, a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions.

This small charity continues to punch way above its weight, raising millions since it was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw following the death of their eight-year-old daughter, Molly.

Amanda went on to share that the co-founder of the charity, and mother to Molly, Rachel Ollerenshaw, is one of the women who inspires Amanda the most.

Amanda highlighted Rachel, and every other charity founder like her, who makes the darkest of days a little bit brighter, are all inspirational.

"Not all heroes (or heroines) wear capes!" added Amanda.

The shoot day

Discussing the day of the shoot, Amanda described it as " one of the scariest experiences I've ever put myself through."

"It took everything I had not to run away on shoot day as I can honestly say it was one of the scariest experiences I've ever put myself through. It plays right into the heart of my worst insecurities and fears – body image. I don't even like having my photo taken fully clothed! But remembering the core message behind the calendar - feeling good about who you are - is what carried me across the line. I'm incredibly proud of myself for ignoring my screaming instincts and 'running into the fire' anyway!

"I know I'm now more likely to face my fears again - but always with my clothes on!

"I am really pleased with the front cover image that I also feature in, though – even though it does seem surreal seeing my face staring out from the Calendar Club top shelf in Leamington, Solihull, and Coventry shopping centres," she expressed.

Following the launch of the calendar on Thursday, 15 October, at a special event at Birmingham Rep, the calendar photos were revealed for the first time.

Amanda said: "I was part of the final shoot across the two days and the last to have my make-up done, as we were running late, so I felt a bit rushed. But I reasoned that in some ways it probably wasn't a bad thing to get it out of the way quickly!

"When I eventually saw the chosen photo, I actually didn't hate it, which is about as enthusiastic as I'll ever get. Hair, makeup, and friends continually boosting my confidence must have counted for something!

"Appearing in the calendar was the hard part, but for everyone else, supporting all these 32 causes is easy. Either buy one of our amazing limited-edition calendars or support our fundraising page, which is running alongside it, in the knowledge you are helping to make a difference", added Amanda.

To donate to the Ladies First Charity Calendar fundraiser, visit here.

The Ladies First Charity Calendar officially launched on 15 October and is now available to purchase here.