Print, Design & Websites
Posted: September 2, 2015 • Posted in: Company News
A Comberton Village College student who was bought a camera as a gift only last year, and receives support from the local children’s hospice, has completed a GCSE in photography and achieved a grade A.
Maria Wray, 17, from Great Cambourne, receives care and support from Milton hospice run by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and on Thursday 13th August Maria hosted an art exhibition of her work. Carole Simpson, EACH Art Therapist, came up with the idea with Maria as a way to celebrate her achievements.
Maria has completed the GCSE Photography course with the help of Mr Dean the college’s art teacher, who nurtured Maria’s photographic talent and took time out of the usual school curriculum to ensure Maria could complete the course. Maria achieved a grade A for her course and Maria, her family, friends, school and everyone else involved is delighted with the result.
Parents Louise and Kevin and sister Zara were in attendance as were many other family members and friends who took the time to admire the artwork displayed in the hospice’s education centre and enjoy refreshments.
Maria said: “I’m very pleased with my photography and the way the exhibition looks – it’s nice to be able to have it at the hospice for my family and friends to see. My favourite picture is the pink photo with the trees and bridge. Some of my work was created from visits to Anglesey Abbey when I was staying at the hospice.”
Louise, Maria’s Mum, said: “The care and support we receive as a family from EACH is invaluable. Not only does Maria receive fantastic care from the team at Milton hospice, she also benefits from many activities and experiences including art therapy, hydrotherapy and trips and days out which are geared to her age group and interests.”
Kevin, Maria’s Dad, said: “The exhibition is just another example of the fantastic support EACH offers. We only bought Maria the camera last year and are so proud of what she’s achieved in such a short space of time, especially with the fantastic support of Comberton Village College and Mr Dean in particular.”
During the exhibition, Maria accepted a cheque on behalf of EACH for £1,800 from John Beresford and Hilary Stokes who held a beer festival in aid of the charity. Hilary is a volunteer at Addenbrookes and has worked with Maria on a panel dedicated to improving hospital experiences for children and young people.
Hilary said: “Maria worked on a research project to find out what would improve hospital visits for young people and following this we’ve introduced books and games to keep them entertained while they wait for appointments. She’s a fantastic young lady dedicated to helping others.”
After the exhibition was over, Maria’s photos were auctioned off raising a total of £325 for EACH. Maria and EACH would like to thank Kall Kwik of Bury St Edmunds who provided the exhibition prints free of charge.
