With the help of suppliers and Thompson's Gallery I am donating 100% of the proceeds of one of my artists proofs 'Bluebell Woodland' 1/3 to CATS.

As an artist I try and capture a single moment that inspires feelings of a lifetime.  I want my photographs to portray the very essence of a place and evoke a journey that creates a sense of something more. When I photograph a location it is because I feel a strong emotional connection to the place. I witness the strength, feel the frailty or simply the serenity of nature.  In a society battling with over civilisation, it is easy to lose touch with nature and each other in its simplest sense. My work constantly reminds me of how fleeting our presence actually is on the planet and how precious our relationships with loved ones are in this context.

For my part with this donation I am remembering the loss of my Natural Mother Maura O'Connor  (nee Lynch) (Aughrim, Moyvane, Co. Kerry) 18th May 2011 RIP who died peacefully after a long illness. 

It’s difficult to choose one particular Charity when there are some many deserving charities but my wife and I chose the Children’s Acute Transport Service following a documentary by the BBC and whilst pregnant with our second child. Mindful of the gift of life passed to us by our own parents and as parents mindful of the overwhelming feelings of helplessness when dealing with a sick child we cannot begin to comprehend the pain a Mother feels at the loss of a Child. We were so taken with the passion and dedication of the staff at CATS and although we have no direct connection to CATS with two small children ourselves we can easily relate to the importance of the work they do and the difference they make to so many families throughout the UK.

As you can imagine these are difficult economic times and £10,000 is a lot of money and by getting all the suppliers including Thompson’s gallery to waive their fees I'm able to donate the total amount not just my percentage.

Whilst there is a commercial aspect to my artwork I donate work to charity where I can. Supporting charities is important to me as I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to indulge my passion for art on such a broad platform and it’s a small thank you if you will for my good fortune in life. I have previously donated the proceeds of my work to Cancer Research UK, McMillan Cancer Support, West London Action for Children and the Photovoice auction of exceptional Photographs. This summer as well as the CATS charity I am donating work to Marie Curie cancer care with an auction to be held at The Royal Academy of arts in July 2011.

Finally I would just like to say thank you to Canon UK, Velmex Distribution, Genesis Imaging and especially John & Sue Thompson of Thompson's Galleries. for all waving their fees and giving their continued support to my fundraising