Local photographer raises £1200

Graham Sivills, getting his certificate from local Macmillan organiser Rose Tipton

Rochdale based photographer, Graham Sivills, was this week part of a uniquely British national event which has helped to raise over £8000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Great Big British Portrait Marathon saw Graham throwing open his studio doors in Norden for a marathon, non stop 26 hours 38 minutes over the weekend, along with 22 other studios up and down the country.

Graham decided to join in with a event with a difference to help celebrate the Olympics and doing an endurance photographic event for charity was planned. The idea soon gained momentum and other photographers from around the country wanted to join in this mad idea whilst raising funds for a fantastic cause.

The idea of the 26 hours and 38 minutes ties in with the length of a marathon.

Graham said: “My customers and local business people are fantastic. As soon as I talked about this idea, there were offers of help, fantastic raffle prizes being donated by Norden shops and everyone passing the details on!. We even had a donation of two Manchester United tickets with hospitality.

“I feel it is important to give something back to the community. The people of Rochdale have been extremely generous and the local community in Norden really pulled together to help us raise a fantastic amount (over £1,200) to help local people living with cancer.”

The portrait marathon was well supported and the studio was constantly busy during the 26 hours, with people coming in and, for a donation, having their pictures taken to be made up into a mosaic of the Queen.

Graham added: “We had such a range of people coming in. Pets aplenty, a band playing at the Horse and Farrier and groups of friends from there too.

"One couple said they were going to a fancy dress party later but would bring their friends in costume before they went. Another lady came with her protective bee outfit and had a stunning portrait done.

"The 'Voice' choir from Heywood came along and were photographed together after Mayor Jim Gartside conducted them in a quick rendition.

"After the event all the images will be combined into a huge picture of the Queen to round up the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.