I met up with Jean-Pierre, his girlfriend Mary-Ann and his 14 year old son Jean-Carl at the Walter Sisulu gardens early this morning for a very special photoshoot.  It was to capture memories… to get a few photos of JP for a website that’s being used to raise funds for his surgery .  That was the plan, and the only plan.

JP has got cancer in his jaw, and is currently 5 weeks into an intensive daily radiation treatment programme.  He doesn’t have any medical aid, so his friends have all rallied together to raise funds for the reconstructive surgery that he’s going to require after the radiation has been completed.

I heard about JP and his story on Twitter, when Mary-Ann‘s friend Melissa Attree was trying to set up the donation pages.  And this shoot is my way of contributing… because memories are so very important and I believe that difficult journeys like this need to be documented.  When I suggested the shoot, Melissa said that it would be for Mary-Ann and JP, but then I heard that he had a son, and then Mary-Ann let me know that JC was in Johannesburg for the weekend… and that thrilled me… so he was included too

Anyhoo, before I get on with the photos, I must tell you that we were freezing this morning.  There was an icy wind blowing through the park… and none of us had really dressed appropriately but I’m glad it didn’t seem to bother everyone too much.

Then it was time for a picnic breakfast.  They’re all watching the bird on the left of the image who was determined to join in the feast it make such a noise!!

And lastly… the little bird who decided to join the party

I really hope that they enjoyed their morning of creating memories, and that they love the photos  I wish them all the very best on their journey, and that the reconstruction is successful and that JP can again enjoy the small things in life… like drinking coffee and eating toasted chicken mayonnaise sandwiches.

If you can help in any way, go to the Team JP site and make a donation