Hospice Patient Photography Group To Hold First Exhibition
North London Hospice’s patient and carer photography group – Catching The Light – all have one thing in common. A passion for life.
“We’re not dead yet! We have a lot of life left to live and a lot of passions,” says founding member Karen.
The group is made up of members from all walks of life – including engineers, lawyers and sales managers – all of whom love looking at life through the lens.
And after two years, our Catching The Light members were delighted to hold their very first exhibition on Thursday 5 December at our Health & Wellbeing Centre. It will be on display for at least a few weeks so do make sure you take a look if you are visiting.
The group was founded two years ago and meet monthly for photography walks through London as well as practical studio sessions to improve their skills.
The exhibition is an eclectic mix of images taken by past and present members ranging from mountain landscapes and seascapes, portraits, stunning plant life in summer and autumn and a fabulous collection of Stairways.
Running alongside the exhibition, proceeds from which will be donated to support patient care at North London Hospice, is a series of photographs showing members of the group in action.
The exhibition is a poignant reminder that those facing a life limiting or terminal illness want to be viewed as more than just their condition.
“Yes many of us are terminally ill, but there’s a lot of things you can do with you life before your expiry date,” added Karen.
“We also wanted this exhibition to provide a reason for people to come and see the Health & Wellbeing Centre and to appreciate this magnificent space. It’s a very peaceful space. We wanted to demystify it to people and to help others who may be facing a life-limiting illness understand it’s a place they can come to for support.”
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. Behind the cancer we all have skills and jobs and this exhibition has enabled us to combine our skills. Some of the photographs have real meaning to the person who has taken them, and we hope that people who view them will not only see them as great pieces of artwork they would be happy to hang on their walls, but also understand the history behind them.”
