A PHOTOGRAPHER who turned his life around following addiction is now one of 100 people creating portraits of healthcare staff who have been fighting Covid-19.

David McCollom, from Bewsey, is taking part in the 2020 Vision Project, a nationwide collaboration capturing healthcare professionals 'behind the mask'.

The 52-year-old will be tasked with photographing six workers from Warrington and the surrounding areas, which will eventually be displayed as a tribute to frontline workers, and auctioned.

This Lottery-funded collaboration was initiated by Sophie Sheinwald and Annie Murray, who is the founder of Horizon, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing film and media workshops for people in recovery from addiction.

David himself was addicted to drugs for 18 years, resulting in him loosing his leg and scolding his hands.

Thanks to his determination, he now owns his own film company and has built up an impressive media portfolio.

Warrington Guardian:

David explained: "18 years ago, I went into rehab in St Annes-on-Sea and stayed there for 11 years.

"I went to college, then the University of Central Lancashire, studied multimedia and sonic arts and graduated with a 2.1 BA Honours degree in 2007.

"I started my own film company called DMC Media and now we go around the UK producing and making films.

"We also teach film making to people in recovery from addiction and mental health, on a 10-week film course.

"We even go into prisons teaching and making prison induction films too."

As part of his latest venture with the 2020 Vision Project, David will be photographing Deji Olojugba, a vascular surgeon in Warrington and Julie Dutton, a healthcare worker at Catalyst Choices.

He is still looking for more healthcare professionals to take part.

For more information about DMC Media, visit dmcmedia.org.uk.

To learn about the 2020 Vision Project, visit 2020visionproject.co.uk.