Inspirational individuals captured on camera by student photographer

The inspirational stories of individuals who have demonstrated immense fortitude and resilience are the subject of a special project by a Photography and Film student at Wrexham University.

Katie McCormick has captured portraits – and the emotionally charged stories – of people, who have shown courage in the face of adversity, as part of her final major degree project.

From secondary breast cancer patient turned campaigner, Lisa Jones; community first aider, Bethan Jones; to Lee Small – a man who has previously been awarded the title of World’s Strongest Disabled Man, Britain’s Strongest Disabled Man twice, the European Championship and a multitude of British powerlifting competitions – they are just some of the individuals who have featured as part of Katie’s project.

University Chancellor, Colin Jackson CBE was also one of Katie’s subjects for the project – and her portrait of Mr Jackson has seen her land the title of Midlands Regional Photographer of the Year with the British Institute of Professional Photography.

Speaking after discovering her award success, Katie said: “Being able to sit down and interview these incredible people, who not only shared their personal stories with me but also allowed me capture their portraits was an absolute joy and a privilege.

“From start to finish, it’s been wonderful to work on and a truly special way to round off three wonderful years at the university.

“For me this project was all about the power of storytelling. I know the old saying is ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ but actually – and maybe I shouldn’t be saying this as a photographer – understanding a person’s journey definitely makes you view their image in a different way, you see them in an even more powerful light, if that’s possible.

“For each individual that I captured, to go alongside their portrait, I created a mini magazine, which detailed their story and the journey, in which they’ve been on. It’s been the most beautiful work I’ve ever produced.

“I’m extremely thankful to all of the fantastic men and women, who have trusted me with their stories by agreeing to be a part of this project.

“It also feels amazing to have had this work recognised by the British Institute of Professional Photography.”

Katie’s work as part of this project was exhibited at the recent ‘Overture’ exhibition, which featured the works of the university’s final-year Art and Design students.

Stephen King, Programme Leader for Photography and Film, added: “I am enormously proud of Katie for this truly engaging and compelling piece of work.

“She has given her all to this, so it’s wonderful that she has been recognised by the British Institute of Professional Photography – an organisation with real historical and international industry significance, especially for a project that focuses upon community.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our fantastic final-year students for their dedication and effort in making this show happen.

“The huge success of the ‘Overture’ exhibition was a culmination of everything they’ve learned over the past three years informing and enabling their individual aspirations as graduates, each and every student put so much into it and it definitely showed.”

Last year Katie was also named the winner of Studio Portrait Photographer of the Year Award by The British Institute of Professional Photography, as well as achieving first and second place with the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographer’s International’s Fall 2022 Competition.

Below is a snapshot of each of the individuals Katie has featured as part of this latest project – she describes them in her own words :

• Colin Jackson CBE – A Welsh former sprint and hurdling athlete and Chancellor of Wrexham University, he stands as a figure of optimism and aspiration, bringing knowledge and cheerfulness to students and colleagues alike. During his athletics career, he represented Great Britain and Wales, won an Olympic silver medal, became World Champion twice, World Indoor Champion once, was undefeated at the European Championships for 12 years and was twice Commonwealth champion.
• Lisa Jones – A courageous campaigner, who has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, it has not held her back and instead, she has used her experience to become a voice for other patients. Uniting with 20 other female patients, Lisa formed the #fightingtobeheard campaign.
• Lee Small – At the age of 17, Lee suffered a serious accident that resulted in the loss of his leg. To help with his mental recovery, he turned to the gym and through sheer grit and determination, he was able to win the title of World’s Strongest Disabled Man, Britain’s Strongest Disabled Man twice, the European Championship and a multitude of British powerlifting competitions.
• Bethan Jones – Bethan is an enthusiastic supporter of her community. A trained first aider, she always looks for ways to learn and share her expertise with her schoolmates. Recently elevated to the rank of Corporal in the Deeside St. John Ambulance Cymru Cadets, she made extra efforts during lockdown to show compassion for others and even coordinated raffles for her local ambulance service.
• Macy Williams – Driven by her diagnosis of autism and selective mutism, Macy founded a social page to empower those with unheard voices. To bring cheer to social media and her community, she began leaving heart-warming gifts to brighten people’s day. As recognition of her noble efforts, Macy recently won second place in the F Jones Initiative Awards, honouring the most selfless people of Wrexham.
• Stephen O’Brien – His inspiring commitment to helping those in need is shown through his support of SSAFA (Soldiers’ Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association). Despite suffering from an injury, he continues to actively fundraise for the charity, which provides assistance to serving personnel, veterans, and their families during hard times. He has demonstrated that nothing can hold him back and is determined to make a difference through his fundraising efforts.
• Catherine Haf – After heart failure necessitated a transplant, Catherine embarked on a difficult recovery. But her resilience never wavered, and she now provides support and wise counsel to others, who have needed or in need of a transplant.
• Ruth Dive – Dedicated to guiding individuals, last year her work on the “Look At Me Now” initiative was a resounding success. As part of the project, she supported 10 teenage girls by helping to build their confidence by educating them on the value of making positive decisions. As a result, the girls released their own book in an effort to promote the lessons that they acquired during the programme.
• Sam Rowlands – Sam is serving as Member of the Senedd for North Wales and is also currently the Shadow Minister for Local Government. Sam’s role means that he is an example to the communities in which he serves.
• Melanie Gizzi – Through life coaching, Melanie has dedicated her life to wellness and self-care. With the publication of her book, ‘A Guide to Being OMG Fabulous: How to get started when you realise you want more from life’, she has been able to empower and uplift countless women, making them feel fantastic in both body and soul.