As those of you who follow my blog will know I quite regularly cover events for the children’s charity ‘Brainwave’. They have one of their centres based in Witham, not too far from where I live.
I was recently very privileged to be asked to photograph a very special event for them, this was a Royal visit by their President Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex (Sophie). The occasion was to mark the fourth anniversary since the opening of the Witham centre.
Unlike my usual days, where I start morning by playing casino games at daisyslots and read newspaper. It was a very exciting morning with numerous press photographers and television crews eager to capture the action and lots of local and county based dignitaries lined up to be introduced. What was most important of course was that the dedicated staff of Brainwave were present as were a number of the children who benefit from the great work that Brainwave does.
What was nice for me was that no other photographers were allowed in once her Royal Highness arrived, I was the official photographer and was allowed to accompany her throughout the visit. What made things slightly difficult though is that I had to remain at a discreet distance and was not allowed to interact in any way, (hence no calls of ‘Oi Sophie look this way’!). So whilst everyone would have liked a photograph of themselves being introduced this simply wasn’t possible to achieve.
Sophie herself was absolutely brilliant, she took time out to speak with staff and people to whom she was introduced and she was particularly wonderful and very natural when talking to and interacting with the children.
Prior to leaving she gave a short speech and very kindly cut the celebration cake and signed the visitor’s book.
I have produced a selection of images from her visit below.
About Brainwave
Brainwave offers home based therapy to children aged from 6 months -12 years of age who have Development Delay and disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and Autism. After a two-day Initial Assessment the therapists devise a structured exercise therapy Programme to suit the individual needs of each child. They then show the parents how to do this therapy at home. They also offer advice and support to families in any way they can. Contact: Brainwave Children’s Therapy Centre, Beechen House, Rear of 16 Newland Street, Witham, Essex CM8 2AQ Tel: 01376 505290/ 503608; Email: enquiriesse@brainwave.org.uk
To view the photographs in full size simply click on them.
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Great work. Really enjoyed this post about Brainwave.