Hayley Russell dreams of becoming a professional photographer.
WHEN 17-year-old Hayley Russell looks through the lens of a camera she can see much more clearly.
“It’s still fuzzy, but I can see the scenery and see the colours really clearly,” she said.
Suffering from an eye stigma, Hayley’s left eye is 100 per cent blind and her “good eye” is deteriorating.
But despite the setback Hayley dreams of one day becoming a professional photographer.
“Ever since I was a young child I always loved taking photos,” she said.
“When I’m taking photographs I don’t need to worry about my eyesight.”
Hayley hopes to enter the Photography and Graphic Design course at Central TAFE in 2013 but will first travel to Cambodia for a volunteer trip.
During the trip in November, Hayley will visit villages, schools and orphanages to talk to and teach local children different skills.
“We’ll pack our suitcases full of toys and clothes for the children and adults over there so we can give out random acts of kindness,” she said.
“I’m very excited to hear all the stories from people and learn about them and their families.”
Hayley will also photograph the trip as part of her portfolio for admission into her course.
She has now launched a fundraising campaign and hopes to raise $10,000.
The money will fund her trip to Cambodia and items such as camera equipment, laptop and graphic design software for her TAFE course.
To reach her target she will hold a raffle, dinner and other fundraising activities, and donations of equipment are also welcome.
To support Hayley contact Hayley or her mother Judy at hayley_judy@ymail.com or call 0448 016 123.