Artist Statement: My photo documentary is a story about love, commitment and endurance in a challenging situation. Since the diagnosis of a version of Motor Neurone Disease called ALS in 2015, Ala’s work as an international businessman and life as he knew it stopped. His world became largely confined to the space within his London apartment. The scenery doesn’t change very much and his story unfolds through a series of daily life events. His wife Rula has her own unique sensitivities to these demands although some of the physical difficulties have been greatly helped by the arrival of Ben as Ala’s carer. Ben is a student from Ghana. He arrived in London not knowing anyone.

My mind was at first overwhelmed with the visions and consequences of disability. Yet, Ala told me he felt privileged to be able to spend time with the people he cared about. I wanted to understand what this meant and I inserted myself into the group at random intervals. I talked and drank wine with them. I watched them interact and create fun out of daily routine. The interplay between love and vulnerability is the focus for my project. One of the most poignant moments was the occasion of the 93rd birthday of Rula’s mother, Seham. She died a few days later. Ala was unable to get to the hospital and he stayed alone at home. He was devastated not to be able to be with Rula.