A PICKERING couple are supporting two charities close to their hearts by producing a fundraising calendar.

Phil and Ros Hopkinson, owners of Helmsley Outdoors, are supporting Marie Curie and Ryedale Special Families, by organising the Scenes of North Yorkshire Charity Calendar 2021.

The couple decided to produce a fundraising calendar to support the two charities during the coronavirus pandemic, which has massively affected the charity sector.

The calendar features scenery from North Yorkshire towns and villages including Helmsley, Goathland, Rievaulx and Thornton-le-Dale.

“Marie Curie were an immense help to our family when my father was suffering with cancer a few years ago,” said Phil.

“Without their help, I’m not quite sure how we would have coped.

“Ryedale Special Families, who support families of children with disabilities and additional needs, is another charity close to my heart.

“My daughter, Emma, has worked for them for a number of years and cycled 150 miles around the Yorkshire Wolds during the summer, raising over £900 for the charity.

“This year has been extremely difficult for charity fundraising events and we decided to produce a calendar in an effort to help add to their funds.”

The calendar images were taken by Philip, his son Christopher Hopkinson and Mike Wilson, the husband of one of Philip’s employees.

The calendar is available from Helmsley Outdoors, The Ginger Bear of Helmsley and Hunters of Helmsley, priced £7.50 each.

All profits will be shared between Marie Curie, which provides support to people with terminal illnesses, and Ryedale Special Families.

“We’re hoping to donate at least £500 between the two charities,” added Phil. “We were fortunate to have a business in Goathland through the Heartbeat years and managed to raise almost £30,000 through various fundraising events.

“Although the calendar won’t raise anything like that, we know how important financial help can be.”