18.12.2014

Judges Praise “Inspirational And Moving” Images

The winners of a photography competition which invited members of the public to enter inspirational photos which showed how disabled people can achieve their goals have been revealed today (18 December).

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.

Judging by a panel of experts including Alison Eddy, a partner at Irwin Mitchell, Sue Davie, the chief executive of Meningitis Now, Colonel John Etherington OBE, the National Clinical Director for Rehabilitation and Recovering in the Community NHS England and Drew Forsyth, an experienced photographer who has worked with the Cerebral Palsy Midlands Heritage Project, took place earlier this month and the judges announced the following winners:

• 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. 

The winners of each category will receive iPads while Jodie has been awarded £200 of Amazon vouchers and a 12-month subscription to Photography Monthly as the overall winner.

Alison Eddy, a Partner and expert personal injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s London office, who served on the judging panel, said: 

Expert Opinion

All of the entries we had 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.” Alison Eddy - Regional Managing Partner

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.”

To view all the winning photos and entries in the No Limits competition click here.