I want to raise as much money as I possibly can
June’s been fundraising for MS since 2014, by creating and selling calendars featuring her own photographs, mostly of Scotland. Over 3,300 sales and £12,000 later, she’s still passionate about promoting her country and our cause.
My love of photography started in my 20s. I was a keen golfer, but had injured my leg. My dad gave me his camera to keep me busy. When he saw my output, he told me he didn’t want it back!
I began my calendar journey when I supplied a local printer with some images for a calendar he was producing. When he decided there wasn’t a market for calendars, I wondered if I could do it myself. I had a chat with a printer close to where I worked and I’ve been working with them ever since. They’re such a nice bunch of guys — they treat me like royalty and are very supportive of my cause.
Foreign connections
My first calendar was for 2015, and I sold 65. I still have repeat customers from back then, which is very flattering. A school chum buys around 30 every year. And a relative in the USA usually buys four and includes a wee donation.
My calendars actually go all over the world now. From Alaska down to New Zealand, and various points in between. As my nephew put it, “Auntie June, you’ve gone global!” I like to think I’m helping to promote Scotland abroad.
Last year, I met a young man on a train. He said it was his first time in Scotland and he wanted to see more of the country. I happened to have a calendar in my bag, and he pointed to the MS Society logo and said, “Is that what I think it is?” It turned out that his mother had MS. We’re now ‘pen friends’ and he’s recently emailed me from his homeland requesting calendars for 2025. I have loads of little stories like this. I’ve met so many lovely people.
Lending a hand
My own connection to MS is my sister. Her diagnosis was a bit of a bombshell, but she’s doing fine at the moment. My photography involvement with the MS Society began when they asked me to take some pictures at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. This led to my taking pictures at lots of other MS Society events — some of which are still being used today to promote the charity’s work and fundraising events.
When I retired in 2016, I volunteered in the MS Society Scotland office, researching websites covering different regions of Scotland. I then worked with the Trusts Team, identifying grants they could apply for. And I wrote letters to thank people for taking part in fundraising events. In 2019, for MS Awareness Week, I turned my local area orange with MS Society banners and flags. Many businesses got involved and we had some nice press coverage.
Getting everything right
But my main focus has always been the calendars. I want to raise as much money as I possibly can for MS research, so I just recoup my costs and pass any profit on. I genuinely believe there must be, if not a cure, then a way of dealing with MS better. And not that far away — fingers crossed!
Creating a calendar takes a lot of time. It’s not just about picking 12 nice images. It’s about getting them to work together. You don’t want too many images of water or animals. Or too many from the same location. I try to match each image to the mood of the month, even if it wasn’t taken then.
It’s sometimes really difficult to decide what to use. My mum used to laugh because I’m so pernickety. I’m a nightmare! But the calendars are representing me, Scotland and the MS Society, so I’m very diligent about getting everything right.
Finding a story
I’m already collecting images for 2026. I’ll try to visit areas I haven’t covered before, such as Tiree, Coll, Islay and Shetland. I also return to particular areas, like the Fife coast with all its little fishing villages.
I love beaches and harbours. But I like pictures with a story behind them. Like a beautiful view I shot across a harbour that also caught a lady taking her bin out in the background. Or a harbour with a full washing line. I enjoy that quirkiness.
I get such pleasure when I see someone looking at my calendars and remarking, “Wow. I really like that. I'd like to visit it and see for myself.” And I get feedback from how they react. For some reason, people are surprised that the photographs are all mine.
Put that little toe in the water
I’ll go on as long as I’m able to, and as long as people remain interested. My sales record for a calendar is 476. Getting closer to the 500 barrier would be like a dream — but I’m realistic. I’d like to get to 400 for the 2025 calendar. It covers a lot of the country, from Orkney to the Mull of Galloway, and is probably one of my best.
If you’ve been thinking about doing something to support the MS Society, it’s just about having the courage of your convictions. Put that little toe in the water and go for it. It’s amazing what you can do. Look at me. I’ve gone from selling 65 calendars to 476!
June’s beautiful calendars make perfect Christmas gifts — while helping us stop MS. To buy one (or more!) contact [email protected].
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