THE deadline to enter a photo competition organised by the town’s health bosses is coming up.

The ‘Life With...’ contest is based on normal life for people with a long term physical or mental illness or disability.

The majority of entries so far, like this one by Christopher Smith, from Great Sankey, have been about people refusing to let their condition stop them getting on with life.

The competition closes on Friday and winners get a year’s free fitness pass from Live Wire and a £50 Culture Warrington Voucher.

For more visit warringtonccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/Life-With-Photo-Competition.htm Chris Smith, a swimmer from Great Sankey, submitted the photo to illustrate life with a spinal condition.

He said: "In 2001, I was diagnosed with Spondylosis, which affected my ability to participate in most outdoor activities, but as my weight increased I began to look closer at my diet and exercise regime, and as I started to make healthier life choices I found that I lost more than 50lbs in weight.

"With new found confidence I overcame the biggest fear of my life and learnt to swim. I had a lifelong fear of deep water but after a few lessons at Penketh Pool I was able to swim a length at first, and then a mile.

"I wanted show that Spondlylosis did not have to mean the end to an active and healthy lifestyle and I travelled to California and swam from Alcatraz Island across to the San Francisco bay.

“It was the most exhilarating but frightening experience of my life! The photo was taken by a GoPro camera I set up to record the swim.

"I will always be affected by Spondylosis and there are times when training for endurance events is far from easy, but I remind myself that my old school badge (Penketh High School) included the word 'Perseverance' and it has helped on numerous occasions to overcome such hurdles and obstacles, especially when the going gets tough!"