Hereford FC cameraman Steve Niblett has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help him purchase new camera kit as his current kit needs replacing.

'Nibbo' explains:

Camera and Electronic equipment Hereford Sports pics

Hi all, my name is Steve Niblett and I'm a local sports photographer based in Herefordshire. Strictly I'm an amateur and it's not my profession nevertheless I know quite a bit about the subject. I've been covering Hereford United/FC since 2003 providing images for use by the club for media/programme/advertisements, local publications and regional online media. I've branched out to cover other local clubs, youth and ladies teams when available and supply them also. 99.5% is unpaid voluntary work but mostly its fun and it is a privilege to cover. It's a bonus to get to know the players staff management and fans - even though I can rarely remember anyone's name! I have also done a lot of voluntary work for the club and have initiated and got involved in fundraisers outside the photographic field.

In the past I have tried to market my work to cover costs but it is rare anyone actually wants to buy the images - the number of requests for use of my images is abundant but in reality no one wants to pay - including the majors. A credit doesn't cover my monthly outgoings nor contribute anything to my equipment or the effort involved. A 90 minute game can take up hours of a day travelling, photographing and processing. So I've made a conscious decision to donate my work to the local teams, their websites and local media. All are very grateful and its mutually appreciated - as long as they credit me :-) . Of course the odd sale to the Non League Paper may pay for the monthly subscription to Adobe - which usually depends on the success of Hereford FC.

So, the fundraising. I've counted about 17 cameras I have bought over the years, and 10 specialist lenses. I use 3 bodies & lenses during a game to cover the full length of the pitch and still photography. What equipment I have is virtually now at end of life and is seriously affecting my ability to provide consistent images. The cameras and lenses are not waterproof anymore and susceptible to the cold causing them to fail. I need a minimum of 2 lenses along with 1 if not not 2 more camera bodies and ancillary equipment. The replacement cost is over 5 figures and that is an unrealistic figure to cover but just to get one lens or body would be a boon.

Here's the priority list - Canon RF 70-200 f2.8 IS USM Z, Canon R7 Mkii - The rest I will have to work out a strategy with but at least I would be to provide real time images to the media for instant use rather than my current Heath Robinson approach. If you are able to contribute towards the replacement equipment I would be grateful and I hope you enjoy what I do.

Here's a few memorable moments, for me certainly over the last 23 years.

Andy William's goal celebration in the 2005/6 Playoff final

Graham Turner celebrating at the final whistle with Tony Ford

Westfields 2016 when they won the FA Cup at Allpay Park

My first pics on a mini Nikon compact camera - defeat to Aldershot in the playoff semi final 2004/5

A 2-1 win at Aldershot in 2014 to keep us in the National Conference - - but sadly Hereford United's last officially recognised game before being dissolved