Photo awards shortlist image of cancer patient, 3

A photograph of a young child getting treatment at Birmingham Children's Hospital has been shortlisted for a major photography competition.

Kris Askey, who works with the hospital's fundraising team, photographed Jessie, three, on the oncology ward, where she was treated for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

He said: "It's a massive honour to have a photo like this recognised, and bring some awareness to children like Jessie and the Children's Hospital itself."

The photo is one of 200 shortlisted for the British Journal of Photography's Portrait of Britain Awards, with 100 to be declared winners in January, before they are displayed on outdoor screens across the country.

All 200 images will then feature in volume eight of the Portrait of Britain book series.

Mr Askey, from Redditch, Worcestershire, said he took photos of staff and patients with stories to tell.

"Hopefully [my photo] can help highlight that [Jessie] is one of so many young children that have to endure a childhood that they and their family don't deserve and didn't ever plan for," he said.

"There is so much kindness, hard work and empathy that goes on inside the walls of the hospital and that is what I have always wanted to show within my photography there."

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