A CHEEKY calendar, organised by a Chester woman to raise money for charity, is now available.

Cathy Murphy, of St Peter’s Way in Mickle Trafford, organised the Cheeky Boys calendar to raise money for research into meningitis.

The disease claimed the life of her only child, Richard, in February 2001. The 19-year-old, a former Chester Catholic High School pupil, was a first year philosophy student at University College London at the time of his death.

Cathy said: “One of Richard’s best friends, Helen Cadden, died at Sheffield Hallam after contracting meningitis and he had read a tribute to her at the funeral. Within two months this same group of friends were burying Richard.

“One of the boys’ mums had the idea for the calendar, which features some of their friends from university, Chester Catholic High and from St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s Primary.

“They were so keen to raise money that one of them sent his photos from Hong Kong where he is teaching English. Another of the guys, James Titley, plays foot volley for England and he is in Brazil at the moment, but he managed to be there, and another friend, Chris Keating, also did the Chicago marathon to raise money.

“In all, we have raised £28,000 over the years, but more research is needed - meningitis can kill in just four hours.”

Sales of the calendar’s proceeds will go to Meningitis UK, which carries out vital research into the disease. Its chairman Steve Dayman walks about 500 miles a year and has done about 10,000 miles in total, raising £1.5 million.

Cathy added: “Lots of Richard's friends have joined him on those walks and we have had a number of charity events, including sportsman’s dinners, which my husband organised before his death two years ago.

“The photoshoot was done at the Wrexham ground on a freezing cold Sunday morning in March. The photos were taken by a local photographer called Kevin Keegan.

“Kevin’s daughter was one of Helen and Richard's friends so he was happy to help.”

Helen’s family has also been working hard to raise awareness since her death, successfully campaigning to change duty of care guidelines for students living in university halls of residence.

To buy a calendar, which cost £5, go to www.cheekyboys.org.uk or http://www.justgiving.com/cheekyboyz

They can also be purchased from Hair Directors, Charles Street, Hoole; 10 Bridge Clinic, Mickle Trafford; Mickle Trafford Village Shop; Chang Noi/Nags Head, Mickle Trafford.