A young photographer who had all his equipment stolen from Fulham FC at the weekend has set up a ‘Go Fund Me’ page – and received half his £8,000 target in 24 hours.
Micah Crook was heartbroken after a thief walked into the press room at Craven Cottage and left with his cameras, lenses and laptop.
Without any equipment, Crook had to pull out of photographing the FA Cup third round tie between Spurs and AFC Wimbledon at Wembley and his trip to the Commonwealth Games is under threat.
In desperation, the youngster set up a fund-raising account and his appeal has resonated with the industry.
Crook, who is a student at Falmouth University, wrote: “Today all my equipment was stolen from me. I don’t like asking for help, but I have lost everything and unfortunately have nothing to fall back on.
“I have worked a part-time job on a fruit stall, grafting since the age of 15 to afford to purchase expensive camera equipment all by myself.
“It will also affect my studies of press and editorial photography at University, as I won’t have equipment to continue my work.
“If you are a fellow photographer or I have ever photographed you for portraits, (if you were playing for one of the very many teams non-league or pro) or simply like the work that I produce, then please donate and share this post!”
His Go Fund Me page can be found HERE
The SJA reported last week that thefts from photographers were becoming an epidemic. Freelance Richard Washbrooke is making an inventory of losses and can be contacted on Richard@washbrooke.com.
The SJA charity partner for the 2017 British Sports and British Sports Journalism Awards is Alzheimer’s Society. Unite now – text UNITE to 70677 to donate £3 a month or visit alzheimers.org.uk/donatetoday