About the group
North London Hospice’s patient and carer ç– has one thing in common. A passion for life. The group was founded two years ago and meet regularly every month. The group is a poignant reminder that those facing a life limiting or terminal illness want to be viewed as more than just their condition.
In December 2019 the group held their very first exhibition, which was a huge success and raised funds for the hospice. Owing to COVID 19, a full exhibition could not happen this year so they have decided to share some photographs online via these slide shows.
Please join them online to celebrate life through photography. And look out for the next exhibition at the Health & Wellbeing Centre in early 2021.
With a rich pool of transferable knowledge, experience and ability from our careers, we challenged ourselves to take on duties that suited our individual skillsets. What we did not know, we took it upon ourselves to explore and learn. The resulting energy, enthusiasm and excitement of this group slowly took shape and has been overwhelming and contagious. Friendships – and care for each other – firmly bonded through working collaboratively has been life changing for the members of the group.
The key message to share is that, difficult as our cancer journeys might be, we want to and can live fulfilled and enriched lives.
“We’re not dead yet! We have a lot of life left to live and a lot of passions,” says one of the founding members Karen.
“Yes, many of us are terminally ill, but there’s a lot of things you can do with your life before your expiry date,” added Karen.
Ajay and his wife Sharon were part of the core group who founded Catching the Light in November 2017, which is predominantly made up of patients but also welcomes carers and family members. He added: “When we started we had no real plan. Photography skills ranged from zero to quite experienced. Some people used their phones and others had the full kit. But it gave us another purpose in life and for some, it was a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
“It’s turned into a very therapeutic group that has helped stimulate conversation and friendships. Some of the photographs have real meaning to the person who has taken them, and we hope that people who view them will see them as great pieces of artwork and they would be happy to see more, whilst also understanding the history behind them.”
