2020 Covid Pandemic, NHS & Key-workers Portraits Behind the Window

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic was an extraordinary time filled with uncertainty, fear, and resilience. Looking back now, it’s hard to fathom the strange and challenging days we endured, but it was also a time when kindness and community shone through. Inspired by a London photographer, I decided to turn the harshness of lockdown into an opportunity to give back. I came up with a name for my challenge: “Portraits Behind the Window”. With a goal to raise £500 for the NHS and key workers who tirelessly put themselves on the line, I started a doorstep photography challenge in my Kings Langley village. Using our allowed exercise time and my bike, I offered family portraits taken from a safe distance in exchange for donations. What started as a light bulb moment became something far more significant than I could have imagined.

The response was overwhelming. Every evening, my phone buzzed with messages from families eager to participate, not just for a photo but as a way to show their support. Word spread quickly, and soon, I found myself interviewed by BBC Radio London and featured in the local Kings Langley news. Week by week, my initial target was shattered as the donations poured in, eventually reaching an incredible £3,500. The challenge brought me closer to my community and kept me busy during what could have been a time of stillness and isolation.

Looking back now, I feel a mix of emotions. It was a heart-wrenching time, as so many faced unimaginable losses. Yet, amidst the pain, humanity’s generosity and unity stood out. The doorstep challenge was a small act that grew into something remarkable, reminding me of the power of kindness. It’s incredible to think how, during such a dark time, people came together to create something positive and memorable—a testament to resilience and community spirit.

Here are just a few of the highlights