CHANGING Lives in India will be the theme of a new exhibition of photographs by former journalist Jem King in Penarth during July.

Based upon more than a decade of volunteer work with charities providing free healthcare and education to thousands of abandoned, orphaned and severely disadvantaged children, Mr King's exhibition will be held at All Saints Church, Penarth, to coincide with their annual Week of Music festival, starting July 7.

“I am always looking for opportunities to raise awareness of the plight of marginalised and overlooked people in some of the poorest areas of India,” said Mr King. “I am grateful to All Saints for just such an opportunity.”

Mr King spent 28 years in a journalism career before leaving in 2015 to focus full time on his volunteer work overseas.

“It all started with the simple act of sponsoring a child at an Indian orphanage,” he said. “I quickly found that I was able to call upon my background in journalism to help charities like HEAL (Health and Education for All) and KISES (Kiranmayi Socio Educational Society) reach out to potential donors and sponsors.

“My first sponsored child, who came from an extremely impoverished home, was only nine when I initially became involved, but she is now starting the final year of a chemistry degree which will open up an incredible range of employment opportunities for her."

Penarth father-of-three Mr King hopes his exhibition and the first of a series of illustrated talks at All Saints on Wednesday, July 18, will continue to throw the spotlight on how charities such as HEAL and KISES are transforming lives of the poorest people in India.

The event is free entry and begins at 7.30pm.

For more information about Mr Kings work, visit www.GoFundMe.com/changing-lives-in-india