A GROUP of empowered individuals have stepped in front of the camera to spread awareness of both visible and invisible disabilities and illnesses.
On April 10, people of all ages from across Cheshire took part in an empowerment photoshoot at the Royal British Legion Social Club in Davenham.
And some of the powerful images, taken by Ant Bradshaw from Style and Story International Pageant Photography, have now been shared with the Guardian.
The photographs will be used to create a calendar, the proceeds of which will be donated to various charities.
These empowerment photoshoots were launched three years ago by Jessica Mary Logan, who has invisible illnesses including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
She set up a campaign called Making the Invisible Visible after being called out for using a disabled toilet because she didn’t ‘look’ disabled.
She said: "We get discrimination regularly, wish for a 'normal life' and some have to endure surgery, so we can become very negative towards ourselves/the changes to our bodies.
"That's why I launched the empowerment group photoshoots so everyone could walk away believing in their worth.
"Our illnesses/disabilities don't need to define us, and we should stand tall feeling proud of ourselves."
Northwich disability campaigner Beverly Greenwood also has invisible illnesses and has taken part in the charity calendar in previous years.
She says it is a great way to empower people, while also raising money for good causes and spreading awareness about both visible and invisible conditions.
This year’s photoshoot was a huge success, creating some incredibly strong images.
One of the photographs involved people writing what others have said to them on a piece of paper and holding it up to the camera – putting into context how some comments can be incredibly damaging.
Beverly thanked Dan and Lee from the Davenham Royal British Legion for allowing the group to use the venue for the photoshoot.
For more information on the project or to find out more about Jessica's campaign, visit makingtheinvisiblevisible.org.uk.
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