THE winners of a photography competition which invited members of the public to enter inspirational photos that showed how disabled people can achieve their goals have been revealed.
The No Limits photography competition developed by law firm Irwin Mitchell and charity Meningitis Now asked for images that showed the achievements of disabled people in three categories – ambition, independence and people – with prizes in each for entrants over 18 and those under 18.
Ambition 18 and over – Just keep climbing (Jodie Kane, Belvedere, Kent)
Ambition 17 and under – Achieving And Loving It (Pauline Wheeler, Corwen, Denbighshire)
Independence 17 and under – Benjamin Enjoying His Walking Frame (Kelly Cameron, Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Independence 18 and over – Tom Laughing At The Sea (Rod Pugh, Haltwhistle, Northumberland)
People 18 and over – Ice Bucket Challenge (Colin McDonnell, Leeds, West Yorkshire)
Joint winners of people 17 and under – Yes! (Josh Jump, Manchester) and Twins (Lewis Brazier, Bubbenhall, Coventry)
The judges also picked Jodie Kane’s entry as the overall winner of the No Limits competition.
Jodie, 29, from Belvedere, Kent entered the image of her husband Luke, 32, climbing at the Grand Canyon.
Luke suffered a spinal injury when he was just 16 after he fell off a bicycle while on a holiday in England from Ireland. His injuries led to him being in a wheelchair for five years and he now needs crutches to walk.
The image, titled Just Keep Climbing, was taken during the couple’s recent round-the-world trip.
Jodie said: “Luke’s friend thought it would be too hard for him to get to the top of a hill at the Grand Canyon and I feel it really sums up the idea of ambition, as he was determined to get to the top.
“I thought it was perfect for the No Limits campaign as it shows what can be done if you set your mind to a task and we’re delighted to have won the competition. Hopefully, the picture will inspire other people with disabilities to challenge their boundaries and really achieve something special.”
All winners receive iPads while Jodie has been awarded £200 of Amazon vouchers and a 12-month subscription to Photography Monthly.
Alison Eddy, a partner and expert personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s London office, who served on the judging panel, said: “All of the entries were truly fantastic and really inspired all of us on the judging panel.
“The competition had an important message – that everyone, no matter what their disability, can achieve their own personal goals – and the images really summed this up. We had a very tough time narrowing down the entries, but I feel Jodie’s picture was a deserving winner of the overall award.
“We work with many disabled people who through specialist help, support and rehabilitation, along with a good helping of will and determination, have achieved remarkable milestones.”
Sue Davie, chief executive of Meningitis Now, who also served on the judging panel, said: “We really had our work cut out judging each of the categories and we were all truly moved by the amazing entries we received. They were incredibly inspirational and very clearly showed that so many disabled people have such a strong will and desire to not let anything get in the way in pursuit of their goals.
“The stories behind the photos are remarkable and that is exactly what we wanted from the competition.”
PICTURED: Just Keep Climbing by Jodie Kane
To view all the winning photos and entries in the No Limits competition click here
