April 7, 2020 10.58 am This story is over 47 months old

Fundraising family portraits brighten up lockdown in Lincoln village

Andrew and Carly raised over £300 for NHS workers

By Local Democracy Reporter

A pair of local photographers have been raising money for the NHS by going to people’s doorsteps taking family portraits in Witham St Hughs.

Andrew Wheeler and Carly Gaffney are freelance photographers with their own businesses, but joined forces to create this heartwarming collection.

Quick kick around anyone? Photo: AWPhotographic

The two of them walked around Witham St Hughs and took doorstep family portraits for people in the village on Sunday, April 5 (from a distance).

They have so far raised £340 for the NHS via a JustGiving fundraiser.

Jessica Purdie with her two dogs. Photo: AWPhotographic

Andrew, founder of AWPhotographic, spoke to The Lincolnite about the project.

“I’ve been a photographer for over 20 years and always love documenting life as it happens.”

Having fun on the climbing frame. Photo: AWPhotographic

“I thought it would an awesome idea to photograph the people of the village on their doorsteps as it’s such an amazing community here.”

This couple enjoying a drink in the nice weather. Photo: AWPhotographic

“Knowing how great the village is I then had the idea of asking people to donate to the NHS and see if we couldn’t make a few pennies for the amazing work they are doing. The response to the idea was amazing.”

This little guy looks VERY happy to be having his picture taken! Photo: AWPhotographic

“It was so rewarding and very touching. It made people’s day, gave them something to get dressed for even, and then to see how much was donated, Carly and myself were blown away.”

Family outside their home for a portrait. Photo: AWPhotographic

“If we could have made enough to help the front line staff in someway then that’s amazing, help a nurse who is struggling to feed her family, help a care worker afford the rent on the house. Anything.”

Spending time together while social distancing. Photo: AWPhotographic

Carly, who runs The Little Happy Studio, added: “It’s so hard to think of ways to raise funds in a time like this and when Andrew posted his idea on our village Facebook page I thought it was such a great thing to do.”

Dressing up because why not? Photo: AWPhotographic

“Andrew should be very proud and I am so grateful that he wanted my help and we collaborated.”

Father and children out for their daily exercise. Photo: AWPhotographic

“It brought such lovely community spirit and just confirmed what I already knew, which is that Witham St Hughs is filled with such lovely caring families.”

Lockdown gives us plenty of time to kick back and relax. Photo: AWPhotographic

“In spite of all the changes, the children remain motivating. They are so happy and inspiring at a time like this.

“The amount of drawings in the windows and chalk pictures on the paths spreads their positivity to the whole community.”

Children getting creative with chalk. Photo: AWPhotographic

You can find the full photo gallery here