PHOTOGRAPHER Stuart Blackledge has snapped up the chance to support the Gazette’s water walking charity challenge.

He will be covering the event at the Herons pool which takes place on Saturday, March 14 and capturing video clips of participants racing across the water in a giant hamster ball, which will then be posted on the KM Charity Team’s YouTube site.

Stuart has both a personal and professional interest in covering the challenge. He wanted to donate his services free as the Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent is the main beneficiary and he has seen the work of the hospice first hand.

Stuart said: “A close family friend is receiving treatment at the Pilgrims Hospice and I wanted to do something to support the work of this excellent charity.”

The former London-based engineer, who lives in Beacon Road started his company, Bay Images Photography in October and is also keen to expand his work, which covers weddings, portraits and corporate events and parties.

The Pilgrims Hospice will receive 70 per cent of the proceeds of the water walk, with 30 per cent going to children’s road safety charity Kent Walking Bus.

To take part participants must pledge to raise a minimum of £75 for the charities. To take part simply complete for the form on this page or check out the website www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk

The event will take place from 2pm to 5pm on March 14 with a maximum of 90 participants and those who do not wish to be pictured on video can easily opt out. There is no charge to having video footage taken of participants and friends and family in the public gallery.

Event promoter Simon Dolby from the Gazette and kmfm charity team said: “People taking part in a fun charity challenge very often want something to remember the occasion. Having video footage taken will allow participants to e-mail the page link to their friends. It will also help us promote future water walking challenges so more money can be raised for good causes.

I am very grateful that Stuart has volunteered his time for free to video those participants that wish it.”

Now Mr Dolby is appealing for a professional to donate their time to edit the footage for the YouTube site.

Event sponsors are needed with organisations benefiting from considerable profile through KM Group newspapers, kmfm radio and web sites. To discuss this contact Simon Dolby on 07989 164 752. For your free event pack and further information go to www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk

For further information on Bay Images Photography visit www.bayimages.co.uk or call Stuart on 01227 749460, mobile 07881 588 802.