Craig’s winning picture puts club in the limelight

THE winning picture that warmed hearts and got national recognition

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

A heart-warming picture has given local young cerebral palsy sufferers national recognition.

Secretary of Chadderton Park Sports Club, Craig Simpson, never dreamed his image of three-year-olds Leo Stott and Harvey Hassell playing football would end up in a national exhibition in London.

Craig, who runs one of the UK’s only cerebral palsy football teams, entered the image into the Nikon competition last Christmas.

The photo received an incredible response and ended up winning the sports section. It also inspired Welsh sports teacher Marc Edwards to run the London Marathon for Cerebral Palsy Sport.

“To be honest I only really entered to get some valuable publicity for the group and attract awareness about the lack of clubs offering facilities,” said Craig. “It has done that and more! Winning was the icing on the cake. I’m really pleased it won.”

Part of Craig’s prize was a tuition session with celebrated sports photographer Bob Martin: “He’s now a big fan of the club and follows us on Facebook,” said Craig.

The picture has attracted funding and encouraged other clubs to set up cerebral palsy teams.

And Leo and Harvey? Both boys, says Craig, are now able to walk without their frames following operations - and they still love football.