CARDIFF: Since it was launched at the beginning of November, Autism Cymru's Welsh celebrity calendar, Cnawd, has, quite literally, been reaching out to the world. 

Staff at Wales' only dedicated national charity for autism have been swamped with requests for the calendar, featuring naked Welsh celebrities - including BBC weatherman Derek Brockway, TV presenter Amanda Protheroe-Thomas, rugby legend Ray Gravell and Miss Wales Amy Guy who recently took part in the Miss World competition in China.

The calendar, the brainchild of Friends of Autism Cymru, is the work of award-winning photographer Huw Talfryn Walters.  Huw and the Friends admit they didn't have too much trouble persuading the Welsh celebrities to take part, particularly when they heard it was to raise funds for Welsh children and adults with autism.

Orders for the calendar have been received from some surprisingly far away places. Jennie Thomas, who works for Autism Cymru said: “We have received dozens of enquiries over the last few months, even before the calendar was finished.  Some of these have been from as far away as the United States and Canada.  We've been taken aback by the amount of interest from all over the world.”

Geraint Evans, a former farmer from Anglesey and his wife, Sonia, who now live in New Zealand, will also be displaying their early Christmas present all the way from Wales as they soak up the December sunshine.

Two very special calendars have been all the way to Chicago and back again to Wales.  Welsh superstar and heart throb Tom Jones - who is not featured in the calendar - has personally signed two copies to be auctioned on eBay over the next couple of weeks.

If you know of a calendar that has travelled further, Autism Cymru would love to hear about it.

If you've not already got yours, or you're still looking for that special Christmas present, you can find the calendar at booksellers or by post from Autism Cymru, 64 Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0DF or ring 029 20463263 or 029 20464940.  The calendar costs £9.99 plus postage and packing. 

(Source: Autism Cymru, December 9, 2004)