Behind the Lens: When a Prom Rescue Mission Meets the Heart of Our Portsmouth Community

There is a distinct magic that happens when my two professional worlds collide. For fifteen years, I’ve looked at the world through two specific lenses: the curious, detail-seeking eye of a former journalist, and the candid, light-seeking eye of a lifestyle photographer. Whether I'm working on creative branding projects or capturing intimate family milestones, my goal has always been the same—to tell authentic stories that matter.

But recently, a beautiful story unfolded right in my own family home that completely blurred the lines between my business skills, my passion for local community journalism, and my heart as a mum.

It started with a classic prom dilemma—the kind of last-minute hitch that sends any parent into a mild panic. When my son Kit and his friend needed a way to get to the Purbrook Park School prom in style, a wonderful local woman named Holly Deacon stepped in like an absolute angel. She offered to rescue the evening by arranging a stunning Bentley arrival for the boys.

As a trained journalist, my immediate instinct was to document this. I knew a great Portsmouth community story when I saw one. As a candid wedding and lifestyle photographer, I couldn't wait to capture the sheer joy, the sleek lines of the car, and the boys looking incredibly sharp against the soft afternoon light.

But this wasn't just about a luxury car or a grand entrance. Holly had a beautiful condition for her act of kindness: in lieu of payment, she suggested a charity donation. And when she suggested **Rowans Hospice**, it struck an incredibly deep, emotional chord.

Supporting local causes and community advocacy has always been the heartbeat of my work. Living and working in Portsmouth, I firmly believe we have a collective responsibility to lift each other up. But the Rowans isn't just *any* charity; it is an absolute pillar of comfort, dignity, and profound care for so many families in our local area. When Holly brought them into the heart of this moment, a simple prom rescue turned into a powerful opportunity to give back.

With the support of friends, family, and the local community, the boys rallied around the cause, ultimately raising over £300 for the hospice.

Watching the boys arrive at their prom wasn't just a proud mum moment; it was a beautiful alignment of everything I love about visual storytelling. Using my public relations and journalism background to document this and share the piece with *The News* wasn't about publicity—it was about shining a spotlight on grassroots kindness, showcasing how our community rallies together, and honouring the invaluable, compassionate work done at Rowans Hospice.

Through my camera lens, I didn't just see two teenagers heading off to a milestone celebration. I saw legacy, community spirit, and the quiet power of local people helping local people.

A massive thank you to Holly, to everyone who donated, and to the team at Rowans Hospice for being the light so many families need during their toughest chapters. Capturing these honest, meaningful moments of connection is exactly why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place.

News Story here ;

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/your-world/pupils-raise-over-ps300-for-rowans-hospice-as-angel-holly-deacon-rescues-purbrook-park-prom-teens-in-style-8764156