International recognition for photograph which brings together brain tumour journeys

6 November 2023 | Supporters, Support, Volunteer

A portrait photograph taken by Brain Tumour Support volunteer and long-term supporter Stefania Distante has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the highly prestigious International Photography Awards (IPA) 2023, which attracted almost 14,000 entries from 100 countries.

The achievement is particularly poignant because of the story behind the image. It brings together three lives, each touched in a different way by a brain tumour diagnosis.

Stefania is a brain tumour survivor herself. Her diagnosis and surgery in 2006 resulted in losing her career within the financial sector but developing new creative skills, particularly in photography. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Photography at the University of Gloucestershire.

Since first attending her local Brain Tumour Support Group and making enduring friendships and connections, Stefania has been involved with the charity raising awareness and vital funds, and it was through a fundraising event that she first met Charlie Bishop, her friend in the portrait.

Charlie is also a brain tumour survivor. He was diagnosed 16 years ago with a high grade brain tumour, and after surgery and aggressive treatment he has had to face the reality of the life-changing impact of his illness. Despite this he wanted to show the craniotomy scar on his head as something positive and empowering. So, thinking of how something beautiful and creative could come from this, Stefania approached a number of specialist make-up artists.

Panda Cooper, of Painted Peach, volunteered to help. Her own life has been shaped by the illness as she sadly lost her dad to a brain tumour, and it was whilst caring for him that she decided to pursue a career as a make-up artist.

(L to R) Panda, Charlie and Stefania

The three met up for an afternoon at the University’s photography studio for Panda to transform Charlie’s scar with the colourful, exotic artwork and Stefania to capture the striking portrait.

Stefania expressed how proud she was to receive the Honourable Mention in such a prestigious competition. However, she was keen to thank everyone for their part in creating this special image, saying, “It was always about the people involved!”

Brain Tumour Support Founder, Tina Mitchell Skinner, said: “This single photograph has such meaning for how lives can come together from the most difficult of circumstances to bring inspiration and support to others. We are so grateful to Stefania for the support she’s giving through her wonderful photography. Awareness of the impact of this devastating diagnosis, and the importance of specialist help for people affected, is essential for us to raise the much-needed funds to maintain our vital services.”

See Stefania’s photograph on the IPA website here: https://photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1686640897-23

Read more on the University of Gloucestershire news: www.glos.ac.uk/content/photography-student-is-recognised-in-international-awards-for-work-with-brain-tumour-support/