Champions of Merton and Wandsworth in pictures
A striking exhibition will showcase the remarkable people of Merton and Wandsworth through pictures.
Champions of Merton and Wandsworth is a collection of 10 portraits by photographer Ben Queenborough celebrating 10 everyday heroes from the community.
The exhibition will be on display at Southside Shopping Centre, Wandsworth from April 7 to 21 before it transfers to The Piazza in Wimbledon from May 6 to 20.
Wandsworth residents featured in the exhibition include Teresa Harris who founded the childrens literacy charity Learn to Love to Read in 2014, and George Turner, co-founder of Battersea’s Carney’s Community charity.
Carney’s Community has helped thousands of young people living in Wandsworth and surrounding areas to turn their lives around through boxing and mentoring since 2011.
He said: “Seeing how unfair life can be for people is what drives me, plus the ability of those who’ve not been given a fair chance, who just need a bit of support and belief.
“I’m here to provide long-term, consistent and unconditional support, and help each young person be the best that they can be.”
Portraits of Merton residents include Ava Little and Nathan Maraj who have both overcome personal challenges and draw on their own experiences to help others.
Ms Little was just five years old when the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI) visited her primary school in Mitcham and invited her to attend free weekly tennis coaching at the All England Club.
Fourteen years later, Ms Little is a qualified Level 1 tennis coach and part of the WJTI team which visits state primary schools across Merton and Wandsworth, introducing children to tennis and the benefits sport can bring.
She said: “Seven years ago, I lost my brother, and tennis has really helped me with my mental health and to release any anger that I have.
“The WJTI helped me to believe that anything is possible, and I want to pass that on to the kids I’m now working with and tell them everything is possible and to never give up.”
Mr Maraj has had to adjust to a new way of living after beginning to lose his eyesight in his twenties.
Supported by Merton Vision, he now helps others beginning their sight loss journey to adapt.
Mr Maraj said: “Hearing from other people who are visually impaired about how to do things was such a help and now I try to share my experience to help others.
“I’m trying to make the best of losing my sight.”
The exhibition has been set up by the Wimbledon Foundation, the charitable arm of The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and The Championships.
Amanda Horton-Mastin, head of the Wimbledon Foundation, said: “These are people who would never seek the spotlight themselves and so, through Champions of Merton and Wandsworth, we want to celebrate these amazing individuals and shine a light on the difference that they, and hundreds of others just like them, make to the lives of people in our community.
“We hope the exhibition will leave residents feeling inspired that there is so much good in the world, especially right here on our doorstep.”
Pictured top: Featured in the exhibition, sports fan Temi Johnson who has cerebral palsy and works in a charity using sport and physical activity to enhance the lives of disabled people (Picture: Ben Queenborough)
