Alfa Romeo ambassadors Kelly Sotherton, the 2004 Olympic heptathlon bronze medallist, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who reached the semi-finals of the 100 metres at the World Championships in Daegu earlier this week, joined Lisa Dobriskey, the 2009 World Championships 1500m silver medallist, and Iwan Thomas, the 1998 European 400m champion, stepped off the track and into the studio earlier this month.

The quartet were alongside an Alfa MiTo Sprint to help create an exclusive series of power and beauty themed photographs entitled Without heart we would be mere machines – Alfa Romeo's brand strap line.

To celebrate the climax of both the domestic and international athletics season, Alfa Romeo will donate £100 to Heart Research UK for every new red Alfa MiTo sold in August.

Greer has photographed a variety of personalities including David Bowie, Bill Gates, David Cameron and Princes William and Harry during his career and his work has appeared in two solo shows at the National Portrait Gallery.

"Alfa Romeo cars are renowned for their stylish designs and aesthetic appeal," said Greer.

"Couple this with the athletes' own finely honed physiques and you've got a fantastic subject matter to work with.

"It is always great to photograph professional athletes in the prime of their lives and I'm proud of the shots that I've taken.

"I hope they help raise a lot of money for the charity."



"When the opportunity came up to help raise funds for Heart Research UK with Alfa Romeo I didn't hesitate to get involved," said Sotherton (pictured, top).

"I was obviously a little nervous about being naked but I'm proud of the pictures and they'll be something I will be able to show the grandkids one day."

"I've actually been in a few photoshoots before but nothing to this degree," added 100m sprinter Aikines-Aryeetey (pictured right).

"This is the most revealing I've been for a shoot and it really was exciting to do.

"I hope the photos help raise awareness of Heart Research UK and raise some serious money."

"Alfa Romeo is a passionate brand that has ruled people's hearts for over a century, as our strap line suggests, so it made perfect sense to support such a worthwhile cause as Heart Research UK," said Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK.

"As the photography shows, the athletes' bodies have become designed for high performance sports, through extensive training and discipline.

"We'd like to wish the athletes good luck for the World Championships in August and for the big one next year."

"We're delighted to be working with Alfa Romeo which has shown a whole lot of heart in developing this eye-catching campaign," said Barbara Harpham, National Director, Heart Research UK.

"Heart Research UK helps keep hearts healthy and what better examples are there than our outstanding, talented British athletes?

"They're very brave to bare all and I'm sure they'll get hearts racing.

"They and Alfa Romeo are certain to do us proud and help people live healthier, happier, longer lives."

To view the full photo gallery, visit here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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