Beckenham Photographer documents people receiving the Covid vaccine

A photographer has started a project documenting the Covid vaccine roll-out after being moved by seeing people receive their jabs.

Jason Ashwood, 51, from Beckenham, began volunteering as a Covid marshall at Paxton Green Group Practice in Alleyn Park, Norwood where his wife works as the lead nurse.

He said: “During my first shift, I didn’t realise how moved I would feel watching so many elderly and infirm patients going through the practice, all receiving the potentially life-saving inoculation.

“As the day passed and I ticked off hundreds of patients being fed through the socially- distanced systems, I felt the importance of what the staff at Paxton Green were achieving for the local community.

“I knew I had to capture their work and perhaps create a body of imagery which will speak of the challenges they faced, the pride in their work, and the lives they undoubtedly saved.”

Mr Ashwood is hoping his work will provide the wider community with an insight into the staff at the vaccination centre and also capture a piece of history.

His previous work includes a long-term portrait project called The Face of Defiance about survivors of female genital mutilation.

He said: “I think it was then I finally found my direction in my projects as a portrait photographer – I want to portray reality, but with a message of hope in which others can find inspiration.”

Main Pic: Volunteer Mike Coates