An Army veteran from Andover has raised more than £500 for Help for Heroes after hosting a silent auction during a photography exhibition at Unity Art Studio.
Ian Smith, 47, served in the Army for nearly 26 years before being medically discharged in 2020. During the Covid lockdown that followed, he took up photography as a new hobby – one that has since played an important role in his recovery and wellbeing.
Ian lives with epilepsy and has found that photography helps him to retain positive memories that might otherwise be difficult to recall. He also completed a photography course through Help for Heroes, which gave him the confidence to display his work publicly for the first time.
The exhibition, held at Unity Art Studio in Andover, was warmly received. Visitors were invited to take part in a silent auction of the pieces on display, which raised a total of £503.27. Ian presented a cheque for the amount to Julie Wadham, a nurse based at Salisbury Hospital, during a veterans’ coffee morning in Andover.
Speaking about the event, Ian said:
“During my service I took part in several fundraisers for Help for Heroes, and the Charity was there for me when I was discharged. Last year, I took one of its photographic courses and some of the feedback I received from Siorna, the course leader, just blew me away. I’ve got validation.
“And my partner, Kayla, and I thought we could raise some more money for the Charity by auctioning off the pictures on display. I’m just delighted we can support Help for Heroes in this way and contribute to providing continued support to other veterans who need help.”
Julie Wadham added:
“It’s a wonderful gesture by Ian and Kayla and I was only too happy to be the Charity’s representative on the day. They are such a lovely couple, and it has been a privilege to be there for Ian during his ongoing recovery. I’m no expert, but it seems to me that Ian has a real talent with a camera.”
Help for Heroes supports veterans and their families from all branches of the UK Armed Forces, including regulars, reservists, and locally embedded civilians. The charity provides practical, emotional, and financial support, and has helped more than 31,000 people since it was founded.
Veterans or families in need of support can visit helpforheroes.org.uk.
