Charitable Chesterfield model wants to walk through town topless

A glamorous model is still planning to do a topless fundraising bucket collection despite a bust-up with police and council bosses.
Macmillan cancer charity fundraiser and model Kate Cooper.Macmillan cancer charity fundraiser and model Kate Cooper.
Macmillan cancer charity fundraiser and model Kate Cooper.

Kate Cooper, 27, of Barlow, has already raised £600 for the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre Development with her partner George Davison after they held a fundraising day at George’s Barlow Photographic Studio.

And to top the £1,000 mark, Kate decided to attract more sponsors with plans for a revealing town centre collection through the streets of Chesterfield on Thursday, November 5.

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However, George claims Derbyshire police warned Kate may be committing an offence and Chesterfield Borough Council said it only allows one town centre bucket collection at a time and someone else has booked the slot.

Macmillan cancer charity fundraisers George Davison, of Barlow Photographic Studio, and his partner Kate Cooper.Macmillan cancer charity fundraisers George Davison, of Barlow Photographic Studio, and his partner Kate Cooper.
Macmillan cancer charity fundraisers George Davison, of Barlow Photographic Studio, and his partner Kate Cooper.

George, 54, said: “When we first got in touch with the police they said they would support us but now the police and the council say we can’t do it. We aren’t trying to cause offence. We are just trying to raise money.

“We could top £1,000 for a great cause and even though it’s only a drop in the ocean for the two-and-a-half million pounds needed for the centre we feel the police and the council are turning off the tap.”

Kate was planning to collect donations from admirers along a circular route starting at Rykneld Square, near the Crooked Spire before moving to Burlington Street, Market Square, The Pavements and Vicar Lane and back again.

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But despite police and council reservations, she is determined to do the collection on December 10.

Macmillan cancer charity fundraisers George Davison, of Barlow Photographic Studio, and his partner Kate Cooper.Macmillan cancer charity fundraisers George Davison, of Barlow Photographic Studio, and his partner Kate Cooper.
Macmillan cancer charity fundraisers George Davison, of Barlow Photographic Studio, and his partner Kate Cooper.

According to George, police feared there may be objections because the fundraiser would be too close to the Crooked Spire and advised that Kate may be committing a criminal offence.

But George claims the British Naturist Society argues it is not a crime to be naked if you are not intending to cause offence.

Kate said: “It’s a bit of fun and glamour to raise money and we can’t understand why the police would have concerns when there have been naked bicycle rides.

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“I won’t have a top on but the nipples will be covered in some way and I am still determined to do this for Macmillan in December.”

The couple, who have had friends and relatives affected by cancer, has launched a justgiving website and are still welcoming pledges at https://www.justgiving.com/kate-cooper8/ with plans for a December 10 collection.

A council spokesman said the council needs a month’s notice to consider street collections and can only allow one street collection at a time and the Macmillan application has been refused on both these counts at this stage.

However, the council spokesman added: “We would reconsider any future application for another date on its merits.”

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A Macmillan spokesman said: “I’m not aware of the exact details of Kate’s proposed walk and collection, but know that it is well intended.

“She is currently working with the police and council to hopefully find a solution which will enable her event to take place.

“We appreciate anyone who wants to fundraise for us - including for our local appeal to help build a new cancer centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital - as long as what they do is legal and doesn’t offend anyone.”

A Derbyshire police spokesman said: “We are aware of the planned fundraising event and have spoken to those who are taking part.

“Although raising money for charity is obviously worthwhile we have advised them to reconsider in case their nudity causes alarm or distress to members of the public.”