A DEDICATED nurse has discovered a hidden gift for photography after a car crash shattered her life.

Winsford born Donna Long, 55, lost her career after suffering a brain injury and memory loss.

The accident happened the day after she gained her coveted diploma.

Donna Long is thrilled that her pictures now bring joy to so many people

Donna Long is thrilled that her pictures now bring joy to so many people

"I was lucky to have survived," said Donna, who now lives in Leftwich. "It knocked my eyesight out and I had two strokes.

"I went from working 60 hours a week to being disabled living on benefits.

Butterflies captured by Donna

Butterflies captured by Donna

"It is so debilitating, you are categorised. If I could work, I would."

After helping hundreds of patients recover from surgery, illness and falls, she now requires specialist care.

One day, she had an urge to pick up a camera and was stunned by her own extraordinary talent.

Roses are among the many flowers Donna loves to focus on

Roses are among the many flowers Donna loves to focus on

"I had never taken pictures before," said Donna. "I didn't even know the settings but the next thing people were saying 'wow, these are fantastic shots'

"People told me you can learn to be good but to take a picture that is outstanding you have to have a special eye.

"My camera is always with me."

Donna uses an Olympus E-M1 mark 2 camera to capture shots like this

Donna uses an Olympus E-M1 mark 2 camera to capture shots like this

Donna's stunning images of birds, bees and butterflies have left professional photographers spellbound.

One shot of a rain soaked iris has won countless awards.

Donnas award winning picture of a rain soaked iris amazingly captured on her phone

Donna's award winning picture of a rain soaked iris amazingly captured on her phone

"Photography has been my crutch," said Donna. "A brain injury stops you functioning. People can't understand why you don't remember things and get confused. There are dark days."

Chester and District Standard:

Donna's close up shots of bumble bees  

 

Bringing pleasure to others through her images is now her main focus.

"People who can't get out and feel a bit depressed say my pictures really brighten up their lives," she said. "I really enjoy what I do and it gives a lot of joy to a lot of people."

Donna, of Winsford, was invited to capture the town at its best for a 2022 charity calendar.

Winsford bottom flash

Winsford bottom flash, one of the iconic images featured in the calendar

Profits will improve Winsford Town Park and support St Luke's Hospice.

John Malam, chairman of Friends of Winsford Town Park, said: "We were delighted to work with Donna on the new Winsford calendar.

"We'd seen her photos on social media for a long time and she was the obvious choice to be the photographer for the year ahead.

"I was privileged to accompany Donna as she took some of the photos and the hardest part was to decide which of her stunning pictures to leave out.

"Donna's photos show Winsford at its best and the calendar is going to bring a lot of pleasure to a lot of people.

"Copies have already been requested by local residents and by Winsfordians now living far away. Calendars will soon be on their way to the Canary Islands."

"I was very overwhelmed to be asked," said Donna. "It is an honour.

Chester and District Standard:

Donna loves sharing her pictures

 

"I have a big heart, I like sharing my photographs.

"I want to leave an impression on this world of being a good person who wanted to inspire somebody."

To order a calendar visit fowtp.co.uk/calendar