We Are Beams is a local charity in Swanley that I’ve occasionally helped with photo assignments such as photographing its events. This year so far I’ve photographed The We Are Beams ‘ facilities in Hextable; in particular the garden, showing how the children benefit from the safe space and; it’s Messy Dash fundraiser, which raises huge amounts of money for the charity.

The most recent event has been the Messy Dash, held at Dartford Park in July 2024. Funds of around £18,000 were donated (which may rise further!) and no wonder! It was very well supported. And the weather held too, so everyone taking part got thoroughly coated in coloured powder paint, glitter and gunge. Amazingly, the rain bucketed down only a couple of hours after Messy Dash finished, meaning most of the eco-friendly paint, glitter and slimy gunge dissolved into the ground at the park.

I’ve already committed time for the We Are Beams end of year ball – another great source of fundraising for it as well as a golf day for one of the charity’s sponsors as the company is gifting a new minibus to the We Are Beams respite centre in Hextable. There may be other support I can offer to We Are Beams – the fundraising team know that they only have to ask and, if I’m available, I will turn up with a camera.

Here are a few shots from the day that I took along with my assistant, Joe, who proved once again that he has a good eye for a photo (he’s my Grandson, so I am rightfully proud of him.) If you would like to see more, follow this We Are Beams Messy Dash link to the Facebook post the charity posted about the day.