Prestatyn boy's winning photo will sit alongside greats of the art world at Christies in London

George  Grimes from Prestatyn is a winner in the ‘WellChild My Life Through a Lens’ national photography competition after his photo was chosen by judges, including renowned photographer Rankin, as one of the top entries.

George’s photograph will be displayed with the other winning pictures at Christie’s auction house in London on Monday, alongside work by over 40 of the world’s top contemporary artists including Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Rankin and Anish Kapoor.

The winning photos were also on display at a private reception at this year’s WellChild Awards, which was attended by WellChild patron HRH The Duke of Sussex and the Duchess of Sussex.

George, aged nine, and his family submitted a picture titled ‘Super George’ which impressed the judges. George has 22q deletion syndrome – a rare genetic condition which causes a range of issues including learning difficulties, speech and hearing problems and immune deficiency.

His mum Lesley said: “Despite the greatest challenges George has never given up, he has been through so much and never ever moans and always tries his best. This photo represents the strength he has always shown throughout his life.”

The photo competition, sponsored by Venture Photography, was open to young people between the ages of five to 24 from across the UK who are connected to WellChild, either as a previous WellChild Award winner, or whose parents are members of the WellChild Family Tree.

The aim of the competition is to show the world what life is like for young people living with serious health needs, or their sibling carers. This is an opportunity for them to tell their story in pictures - to shine a light on the reality of life and to inspire others.

Judges for the My Life Through A Lens competition included renowned photographers

Rankin and John Swannell, TV celebrity and WellChild Ambassador Gaby Roslin, owner of Venture Photography Nick Fisher, curator of the WellChild Helping Hands Art Auction Chris Westbrook and WellChild Parent

Ambassador Leanne Cooper.

WellChild Chief Executive Colin Dyer said: “Well done to George on his fantastic photo, we look forward to seeing it take pride of place

at Christie’s alongside some of the biggest names from the contemporary art world. This remarkable collection of photographs is an illuminating window into the reality of life for a growing population of young people who are living longer lives with serious

and complex health conditions. In a world where support is often sorely lacking for them and their families, the work of WellChild in giving these young people the chance to flourish is more important than ever.”

Through its national network of children’s nurses, home and garden transformation projects and family support services, WellChild gives children and young people with

serious health needs the best chance to thrive, properly supported at home with their families.

ENDS

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