Retiring photographer's rocking auction to make waves for charity

Sunday 18 November 2018

Moved by a local sea therapy charity's work with disabled islanders, a photographer, whose son has special needs, is raising money by auctioning off a special item that has been a staple of his studio for over three decades.

Ahead of his retirement, Steve Wellum is inviting bids on his rocking horse - an item that features in photos on hundreds of islanders' mantlepieces - in aid of 'Healing Waves'.

Launched last year, Healing Waves helped over 30 people enjoy the benefits of the ocean in its first two months of existence. Earlier this year, they received the island's first wheelchair-adapted surfboard.

One of the team, Max Wiltshire, told Express: "This year was our first full summer season in the water and it went great. We now have 88 athletes on our books which is fantastic, and we are still counting. We are open for more! We want to help as many people as possible so we are not limited. We received our adaptive board and it went really well. 13 athletes used it this summer and it's growing. We have some people already waiting to use it next year!"

Since its launch, the charity has received fantastic support from individuals and companies alike. "We have 30 volunteers," said Max. "The Jersey community really came together. We are still looking for more, we would like up to 50 to be able to run more sessions without tiring anyone out!

Recently, a collective effort involving the Lloyd's Foundation and La Moye Prison enabled the charity to buy a trailer and convert it into a disability shower and changing facility for those who are less able-bodied. "It's hard enough for us to get out of our wetsuits but for people who may have sensory impairment or a disability, it's even harder. We wanted to make sure everyone could have their privacy. We are looking forward to our athletes using it next year."

Local photographer Steve Wellum also wanted to support the charity and the "amazing" work it does. "I have a special need son myself, and my other son volunteers for them. I know what the water does do them, the joy they get out of it. It is very therapeutic. What Healing Waves does is amazing. It's amazing when you see them in the water, the joy on the kids' faces!"

As he prepares to retire after over 45 years in business, Steve has been selling his equipment. When it came to the rocking horse, which has been a fixture of the studio for more than 35 years and used as a prop in many children's pictures, he knew he had to do something special. He therefore decided to auction it to help raise funds for Healing Waves. 

"I thought you ride the horse as you ride the waves and of course there are seahorses in the water. With Healing Waves being a new charity I thought there was a perfect link. Hopefully it will do well. It is quite big, 4ft long and 3.5ft tall, so you will need quite a big room. But with Christmas coming up, it could make a child very happy!"

Max says the team was "made up" that Steve offered to auction his horse. "Hundreds and hundreds of islanders have probably been on it," he added. "It's really generous of Steve, especially before Christmas."

Video: One of Healing Waves' 'Flo Rider' sessions.

People have until the end of next week to place their bid on the rocking horse. In the meantime, Max and the team will be busy on their boards.

While the water has gone slightly too cold for them to get in the ocean, they will be making good use of the Merton AquaDome FlowRide with their athletes. Surf is up once again this Sunday!