Lions Club of Chippenham
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Ali
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Lions help Ali - a remarkable young photo talent
 Ali, pictured left, was born with Downs Syndrome and complex cardiac conditions which required surgical intervention. Sadly the surgery resulted in a Stroke which left Ali with motor function difficulties, deafness and dysphasia, making communication difficult for her.
At 4 ½ years old, Ali was adopted by Tom and Vonnie. It was with their love, support and encouragement that Ali made remarkable progress in her development. Her hard work and determination was rewarded in 1998, when she became the young recipient of The Life After Stroke Courage Award.
During her childhood, Ali had enjoyed a small toy camera, then just before she turned eighteen Ali asked for a real camera.
Ali was encouraged to photograph images so she could retain memories of the places she visited, helping her coordinate her thought processing. Using the camera and making up stories using toys also assisted Ali develop her communication skills.
Within a few sessions her photography skills became evident with Ali producing images equal to a professional artist. The next step was for Ali to receive recognition of her talent.
Following some rejections and with perseverance and determination Ali was offered her first photography exhibition with North Wiltshire District Council. Late in 2005 Ali was invited to exhibit at the Bristol Hospital for Sick Children - this was Ali’s second public exhibition. Ali has been a patient at the hospital as a child, and has asked that any profits from sales of her exhibition be donated back to the Grand Appeal to benefit other children. Following this Ali has been asked to undertake two new exhibitions early in 2006 and she is keen to pursue a career as a professional photographer.
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Ali's photo auctioned for Lions' charities
 Ali is a wonderful advocate for people with special needs, and her achievements in the face of adversity will hopefully be an inspiration to everyone who faces life with a disability.
Chippenham Lions have helped Ali to buy camera equipment and to meet the expenses associated with staging the exhibitions described above.
In return for this, Ali donated a striking framed photograph "The Tree Within" (shown above) measuring 16X22 inches, which was auctioned for Lion's charities at our Charter Dinner and Dance, held at the Neeld Hall Chippenham on February 4th 2006. |
Ali helping others
 Ali has also helped the Downs Heart Group, by producing an illustrated calendar and donated an images to the Hearing Dogs charity.
Chippenham Lions were recently delighted to learn that Ali had been awarded a grant of £400 from the Bob Cook Memorial Fund to help her in her work. Ali is seen below
with the late Joy Cook, who presented her with the cheque at the Lions April meeting.
Ali has also won an annual photographic competition.
award from Mencap. Her entry was displayed in an exhibition at The Victoria and Albert in London. |
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