AN EQUESTRIAN photographer wanting to do her bit in the coronavirus crisis has launched an online campaign with a twist to raise money for the NHS.

Wantage-based professional event photographer Lottie-Elizabeth Stanyon designed two unisex T-shirts with an unconventional horse-themed typeface as part of her fundraising campaign for healthcare workers.

Ms Stanyon has enlisted the help of a major Manchester-based factory where the garments will be produced, with the first order being made later this week.

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After posting the two tops on her social media channels, Ms Stanyon admitted she was surprised to see an overwhelming response of positivity and encouragement from friends, family members and other Oxfordshire residents.

Now the photographer has received more than 40 orders.

With the government-enforced lockdown in place the photographer, has not been able to work at all as all equestrian events have been cancelled until further notice.

The young woman who normally covers dressage and showjumping events, international horse trials, county shows, fun rides and home internationals now did not have any work engagements.

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However, the 27-year-old did not let the fear control her life and instead, she started her campaign.

Ms Stanyon said: “This was quite worrying for me as a small business owner: I was very concerned as to whether it would survive months without income.

“But instead of letting the current situation affect me, I decided to launch a new campaign to raise money to the NHS.

“As a keen equestrian myself and being involved with horses since I was little, the NHS has been an imperative part of my life, especially 12 years ago when I had a severe riding accident.

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“They are also always at equestrian events to ensure everyone is safe and the correct care is administered when required.”

The simple idea came to Ms Stanyon during a phone conversation she had with a friend who works as a paramedic about the nationwide Clap for Carers that takes place every Thursday.

The photographer explained her friend was thankful to all people who went out of their homes each week but he said he wished that somebody did something more practical that could actually help healthcare workers.

This is when the young woman came up with the cool-looking summer garments.

Ms Stanyon explained: “The conversation got me thinking that maybe I could do something.

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“I was not working and had a lot of creativity to give and obviously time on my hands.

“I was already designing T-shirts for my business for when the pandemic ends, so I decided to come up with some designs for the NHS.”

The T-shirts cost £14 including delivery but the photographer revealed she would make no profit from the campaign, which she reiterated was ‘crucial’ for her.

She explained: “I have my own business, so most people might assume that I am looking to make a profit, but I really just want to give back to our incredible frontline workers who are risking their lives to save ours each and every day.”

The fee of the T-shirts covers the cost of production and at least 75 per cent of the overall cost goes straight to the NHS.

Ms Stanyon said she wanted to donate the profits from the T-shirts to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, as medics there have helped her a lot in the past with various injuries.

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The photographer added that if the campaign takes off she will also look into already-established fundraisers such as the Virgin Money Giving campaign.

With the very first order being made this week, people awaiting for their NHS T-shirts should allow between ten to 15 days.

Once the factory in Manchester produces the garments with the printed logo on their front, they will be shipped to Ms Stanyon’s home where she will sort and distribute all deliveries.

While the photographer admitted she would prefer to work with a company in Oxfordshire, she explained she did not know of any still operating in the lockdown.

She mentioned that everybody will receive a personalised ‘thank you’ message with their order that explains how their generous donation will be used.

To purchase a T-shirt and support the campaign contact Ms Stanyon on lottieesphotography@gmail.com