A BOROUGH cancer patient hopes to ease the process of chemotherapy by creating an inspirational photographic album.
Rick Wise, who is currently being treated for advanced bladder cancer, has decided to go back to his photographic roots to capture inspirational cancer survivors in black and white to highlight their story.
The amateur photographer aims to create a beacon of hope for current cancer patients by publishing the photographs on his website before planning to assemble the images into a small booklet.
Based in Shirley, Rick is urging cancer survivors to come forward and document their survival stories to provide hope to those currently battling the condition.
The 73-year-old has his own portable photographic studio – meaning he is willing to travel to survivors’ homes in and around Solihull.
Speaking to The Observer, Rick – who is a member of the Royal Photographic Society – explained the idea came about after his cancer diagnosis this summer.
He added: “I suffered from prostate cancer ten years ago, but thankfully that was controlled.
“But this summer I was diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer. I was devastated.
“I’ve always been an amateur photographer and to keep my head above water I wanted to do something that would create a ‘win win’ situation.
“I decided to create inspiring portraits. People that survived against the odds.
“By creating a selection of images of cancer survivors I feel it will be helpful to cancer patients and survivors too.”
Rick hopes his unique project will attract the attention of cancer survivors in the borough.
And this won’t be the first time the motivated borough resident has worked with people who have a story or two to tell.
After being cleared of prostate cancer, Rick decided to volunteer with national charity Headway.
Headway works closely with people to improve life after brain injury – and Rick has been editing the midlands newsletter in recent years.
Working at Headway has helped Rick clear his mind, something he hopes his latest project can do too.
“Headway has allowed me to use my photography – it’s done me good,” said Rick.
“Hopefully if everything works out I can show cancer patients that people have been through treatment and survived.
“It would also be great to have some Inspirational cancer survivors from different walks of life, cultures and faiths come forward.”
Cancer survivors wishing to contact Rick should call 07999 814577 or email [email protected].
Visit www.rickspeople.co.uk for further information about Rick’s work.
