Covid heartache inspires Rothwell photographer's NHS thank you project

Robert Smith wants to thank NHS staff for the care his father received before he died from coronavirus
Robert took this picture of KGH A&E nurse Chelsea.Robert took this picture of KGH A&E nurse Chelsea.
Robert took this picture of KGH A&E nurse Chelsea.

A photographer from Rothwell whose father died after a fight against coronavirus has launched a pictorial project to thank the NHS.

Robert Smith's father Ian was in intensive care for three weeks after contracting the virus before he died at St Peter's Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, in April.

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Now Robert, a wedding and events photographer who also works at the Frontier Centre in Irthlingborough, wants to say thank you for the care the heroes of the NHS gave in his father's final weeks.

Rothwell photographer Robert Smith.Rothwell photographer Robert Smith.
Rothwell photographer Robert Smith.

He is taking socially-distanced doorstep portraits of NHS staff in and around Kettering with more than 10 in the collection so far.

The 33-year-old said: "The staff there were absolutely amazing. We spoke to them two or three times a day and they said to us to call at 3am if we wanted and it wouldn't be an issue.

"They let us have as much time as we could with him at the end and we were really thankful for that."

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When Robert was at the hospital he had to wear PPE and it made him appreciate the toll the virus had on frontline workers

Ian Smith, who died after a fight against coronavirus.Ian Smith, who died after a fight against coronavirus.
Ian Smith, who died after a fight against coronavirus.

He added: "I spent one hour in PPE to be with my dad and it was so uncomfortable.

"I have no idea how they do it all day, every day."

Both Ian, who was described as having a "heart of pure gold", and his beloved wife Betty had previously beaten bowel cancer and a fundraising page set up in his memory, which can be found here, has already raised more than £6,000.

Ian had wanted his body to be donated to medical research but it wasn't possible because of the cruel nature of the virus.

A black and white photo from Robert's collection - KGH A&E porter Jason.A black and white photo from Robert's collection - KGH A&E porter Jason.
A black and white photo from Robert's collection - KGH A&E porter Jason.
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Robert has more doorstep portraits lined up and is looking for more local NHS staff to take part.

No payment is taken for the pictures but voluntary donations can be made to the fundraising page set up in memory of Ian.

Anyone who would like to have their photo taken, or would like to nominate someone, can contact Robert on the Milk Wood Photography Facebook page here or website here.

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