For 2023, I'm going to support my favourite charity again, and one that's very close to my heart; Sarcoidosis UK. I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2014 and not only did this relatively rare and unknown disease affect my lungs, I was also one of the unlucky cases where it affects the heart too. Cardiac sarcoidosis is a potentially life threatening condition that can cause arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia (leading to sudden death) and heart failure. Thankfully I was diagnosed early and accurately although I had a dangerous arrhythmia and chronic heart failure. Six years on and with some fantastic care at Luton & Dunstable, Harefield and Royal Brompton Hospitals my condition has improved to the point where I can lead a near normal life. However, sarcoidosis has changed my life and now I'm keen to support the only UK charity dedicated to finding a cure for this complex and under-funded disease and supporting those suffering with it. All of the proceeds from my photo sales will go to Sarcoidosis UK, so please buy a few photos and help a worthy cause. As part of my efforts to promote awareness of Sarcoidosis UK, and with the support of the charity, I have arranged for promising young rider, Luke Hopkins, to carry the charity's logo on his leathers and bike this season as he competes in the British Superbike Championship. Look out for him this season and if you see any charity fund raisers out and about at race meetings, please spare what ever you can to support this hard working and dedicated organisation.
As mentioned in a Blog post last year (https://motoaero.weebly.com/motoaeros-blog/supporting-lincolnshire-nottinghamshire-air-ambulance-in-2019) I aimed to raise some cash for the Air Ambulance by donating a portion of my photo sales proceeds to them in 2019. Well I'm delighted to announce that I was able to donate £110 to the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance in January and those lovely folk there sent me a certificate to prove it! Thanks to everyone who bought my photos last year. For me it's only a hobby, but to be able to raise a few quid for a super worthy cause whilst doing it is brilliant. This year I'll be trying to raise some cash for my own favourite charity Sarcoidosis UK. This is a cause that is very close to my heart.......literally! I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in 2014 and as it affected my heart as well as my lungs the initial diagnosis was not great. I had a five year life expectancy of less than 30% but thanks to the outstanding care provided by my local hospital and the Royal Brompton and Harefield Trust I'm now in a good place. It has been a life changing experience for me though so I'm determined to help fund the only UK charity dedicated to fighting this largely unknown and under-funded disease. Once again, 50% of proceeds from my photo sales will go to the charity so come on, all you have to do is buy a few photos and though I say so myself they are generally pretty good.
I was delighted to get some photos in the Horncastle News last month including one on the front cover and three on page three. The subject matter was most unfortunate though as it proved to be fatal road traffic accident although I did not know that at the time. Consequently, all proceeds from the publication of these images will go to the Lincs Air Ambulance.
As photography is principally a hobby for me and not my main job, I have decided that it would be a good idea for me to donate some of the proceeds of anything I sell to a worthy cause. For 2019, 50% of the proceeds from my photo sales will be donated to Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. As a keen motorsport enthusiast, I've seen first hand the vital support that the Air Ambulance provides to local motorsport facilities such as Cadwell Park and Mablethorpe Beach Races plus many other local venues. I hope you'll support the Air Ambulance by buying a few photos from me this year. See below for letter from the charity confirming my support for them in 2019.
Having attended both the Silverstone and Donington Park British Superbike Championship test days last week, I can safely say this season is set to be a cracker. It looks like there are more competitive teams and riders than ever with a healthy mix of established stars and a crop of fast newcomers. Times at the top of the sheets were very tight and top slot was only secured in the dying minutes of the final session on both test days. For the record Leon Haslam topped the time sheets at Silverstone and Michael Laverty took the top slot at Donington. Silverstone was absolutely freezing cold and I'm not sure everyone was pushing as hard as they would have liked to so the times there threw up a few surprises (like Filip Backlund in third - well done!), but Donington was pretty mild. Conditions were near perfect so I think the times were pretty representative of what we can expect to see this year. Laverty and Shakey were totally on it and un-surprisingly took the top two slots, but in third and fourth were Christian Iddon and Luke Mossey. Iddon and Mossey are my tips for the showdown this year. Remember, you heard it hear first!
It might only be the second week in March but already the hardy boys and girls of both Thundersport GB and Bemsee have graced (and in some cases tasted) the tarmac of Brands Hatch. I went to both meetings and the thing that struck me both times (apart from the cold!) was that British Club racing seems to be blossoming again. Both clubs had full grids, a packed paddock and a great mix of experienced riders and newcomers. Things have come a long way since the difficult years of the recession when clubs folded and grids thinned. I used to race with EMRA, New Era, Darley Moor and Pegasus MC. Sad to think that two of those clubs are no longer with us. Thundersport GB and Bemsee though are showing us how it can and should be done. And best of all, you don't need mega bikes and loads of money to go racing or provide top entertainment. For me, the race of the day at Bemsee's meeting on Sunday was the second MZ race. Two guys, side by side for ten laps. It was mega!
What happened at Shoreham on Saturday 22nd August 2015 was truly tragic but the hasty reaction of the CAA to prevent "vintage" jets performing "high energy" aerobatics and limiting them to fly pasts seems a little over zealous. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34044383 I guess a lot of air show organisers are now hastily revising their display schedules for the remainder of the season. I'd be interested to understand the definition of "vintage" jet. Where does this leave the Red Arrows? Their BAE Hawk T1's were first made in 1976! Hopefully the restrictions will be lifted quickly but in the meantime, I'm very pleased to have seen the Avro Vulcan over Old Warden earlier this year. Under the current regulations there is no way they'd be able to repeat that particular display!
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Author: MotoAero PhotographyMotorsport and Aviation Photographer, motorcyclist and technology enthusiast. Archives
March 2022
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