Daniel Macpherson
My name is Daniel, and I am a portrait and event photographer living with Ulcerative Colitis. From a very young age my passion has always been to capture memories and to tell stories through images. After studying photography and media studies I became a freelance photographer in 2018.
Daniel's story
Two years later, I was diagnosed with an incurable illness called Ulcerative Colitis. It is an inflammatory chronic disease that affects the large intestine, causing inflammation and ulcers. Having failed my third biological drugs trial in three years, I have embarked upon my fourth in the hope of sending my illness into remission.
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Since my diagnosis, my entire lifestyle has had to change. I can only leave the house when I’m not in pain, or when I have the confidence that I won’t need the bathroom. In three years I have had very few good days when I’m able to go out and live my life as a typical young adult should. But despite all of this my passion for photography remains.
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Photography is an escape from my illness as it allows me to express my emotions creatively through my images. The main thing I have learnt from being ill is that no matter how much your life changes your passions will never die. I want to show others who are in similar situations to me that no matter what life throws at you, nothing can stop you from chasing your dreams. Yes, they may be harder to achieve, and you may have to adapt your life to even be able to achieve them, but they will always be there waiting for you.
Wishbone Words
Founded by creative writing graduate Hollie Warren in 2021.
Wishbone Words is a volunteer run creative writing magazine amplifying disabled writers and artists.
Our ethos
The magazine was set up with the aim of giving a boost to marginalised talents that may otherwise be overlooked by literary journals. Wishbone words features a whole range of diverse content including poetry, short stories and plays, book and film reviews, photography, art, and shared personal accounts of what it’s like living with a disability.
Jordan Dove
My name is Jordan Dove and I’m a digital artist. I specialise in anime-style art that is influenced by Studio Ghibli. I was diagnosed with Mylagic Encephalomyelitis two years after I became ill, at the age of 30.
Jordan's story
I began drawing during the Coronavirus pandemic and I found myself getting enveloped by the art and stories I created. My art has been my savour and it is what’s helped to keep me focused whilst I’ve been ill. It has connected me to an online community which is incredibly supportive, and gives me a space to talk about my feelings and experiences with a chronic illness, as well as sharing my art.
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I am a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, especially in the art world, as I feel our talents are often overlooked. I have always used art to champion my chronic illness and disability, and I hope others can use their creativity to champion their struggles too.