Snap of Patrick is a winner

The photograph, Peek a Boo at the Park, has been picked as one of the winners in Mencap's national photographic competition Snap!

The picture shows Patrick Tunnah grinning into the camera while playing in his local park in Belfast. Patrick is three and a half and was born with Down's syndrome.

Patrick attends Mencap's nursery based at Segal House, Belfast.

Patrick

"I wanted to have a record of Patrick doing his everyday things," said Patrick's mum, Joanne. "When he is in familiar environments Patrick is at his best. I am so proud of my son and his achievements. I want people to see his successes and not his learning disability."

To accompany the picture of Patrick, Joanne wrote: "This picture characterises Patrick's boundless energy and self confidence. As a consequence of his Down's syndrome condition, walking is a more daunting obstacle for Patrick than for other children his age. His gritty determination and self confidence enables him to enjoy play to the full. He loves relating to people and playing to the camera!"

The Tunnah family also includes daughter Rebecca who is two and a half. "I call them the Irish twins as they are so close in age," says Joanne. "Despite Rebecca being younger than Patrick, she is aware that Patrick needs extra help sometimes. She will help him to his feet and support him while he is walking."

Patrick has complex health issues and has been in hospital on several occasions. But according to Joanne he always comes through everything smiling which is testament to his character.

Challenging perceptions

Pop singer and Mencap patron, Will Young, announced the Snap! winners at a special event in London and gave Joanne a congratulatory hug.

Peek a Boo at the Park is one of a collection of 32 photos and personal stories appearing in the Snap! display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London from 18 June to 1 August. The exhibition showcases the artistic talent of people with a learning disability, their families, friends and carers and offers a unique insight into their lives.

Jo Williams, Mencap chief executive invites the public to see the photographs. "Visit the V&A to see first class photography and to have your views challenged. You will see the talents and abilities of people with a learning disability and a variety of images that portray the range of human emotions."