Kind-hearted wedding photographer raises funds for needy South Yorkshire children at Christmas

Hayley Kirk, aged 35, from Waverley, Rotherham, raised £3,321 for Hallam FM’s Cash for Kids charity to help youngsters in need in time for Christmas.

She said: “I have been a wedding photographer for about 10 years and due to no weddings this year, I thought I'd raise money for Hallam FM Cash for Kids.

“I ended up raising a total of £3,331.25 since the first lockdown. It's been brilliant.”

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The mother-of-three said during the first lockdown she did doorstep portraits in her neighbourhood and raised a total of £1,515.

The second lockdown has seen her raise £1,800 more.

As well as taking photographs on doorsteps she also set up a 'Winter Wonderland' in her front garden complete with a snow machine and Christmas trees for festive family shoots.

“There were no props, so nobody was touching anything, and social distancing was in place at all times with time slots,” she said.

All proceeds raised have been donated to charity.

“I just miss doing photography. I missed out on weddings this year so this is what I love to do,” she said.

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She added that she is looking at doing it again next year to raise even more cash for disadvantaged children.

“I will be back doing these Christmas Wonderland photos again next year for Cash for Kids,” she said.

Hayley said not only has her campaign raised money for charity but it has brought her local community closer together.

“It has made memories and everyone commenting on each other’s photos shows how much of a lovely community we have here at Waverley. I think it’s been a lovely ending to 2020 and one that everyone will remember,” she said.

Her efforts have also gained recognition from her local MP, Alexander Stafford, who has called her fundraising campaign ‘fantastic’.

Those who would like to donate can visit Hayley’s website here.

Click here to find out more about Cash for Kids.

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