Humbled.

Proud.

That is how I would describe myself after last night’s launch of Help Portrait Cork 2010 at the Clarion Hotel.

Humbled by the number of people who turned up to pledge their support for the big day in December. Cork is full of good people. Not least the management of the Clarion who gave us the room last night and have offered a huge space for December.

Proud of what we accomplished in 2009. We heard the incredible story of how the experience of Help Portrait last year turned a person’s life around. Hearing it made me catch my breath. There were tears in the room last night.

To think that we did this. To think that everyone who participated in last year’s Cork event contributed in some way to the transformation of a human life for the better is something truly remarkable.

We want to do it again this year. We want to do it bigger and better. Up to four times bigger and better, which is why we are starting with the event planning now. If you want to stand at our side, let me know. If you are elsewhere in Ireland and you want to learn from our experience last year to establish your own event, please get in touch.

As I write these words, I am overcome with positive emotion. The experience of Help Portrait has made me a better man. It has made my life better. So I’m going to thank the two people without whom I wouldn’t feel this way: Jeremy Cowart, whose idea it was; Paul O’Mahony, who drove this on in Cork. Giants, both.

Paul O'Mahony speaks to a handful of last night's early guests. A big thank you to everyone who made it in the end (in no particular order): Marcela Whelan (who will liaise with charities), Alice-Anne Oliver (volunteer host), Eoin Mulligan (photographer), Margaret Smith (who has promised wonderful Umnumnum biscuits in December), Margaret Hegarty (who will deliver the biscuits and be a volunteer host), Emma Hawkett (social well-being charity), Owen Killeen (photographer), Dragan Tomas (photographer), Sandra Brett (social well-being charity), Siobhan Hallissey (make-up artist), Donal Hanafin (our post-production guru and miracle worker), Beatrix Lafosse (PR), Emma Pyne (who will co-ordinate our make-up artists), Elaine O'Callaghan (make-up artist), Siobhan Oliver (singer - that's right, we're having music this year), Algis Raugas (photographer), Philip Daly (photographer) and Joan O'Shea (volunteer host). Thank you also to those who were there in spirit. (c) Roger Overall 2010