Real Stories of Strength
Captured with Heart

There are some shoots that stay with you. Photographing Liz Clarke-Saul was one of those. Liz was a world-class athlete, a Team GB paracyclist, and an inspiring advocate for rare bone cancer research. But above all, she was human, raw, determined, defiant in the face of the unimaginable. We began in Richmond Park, her chosen training ground. The images from that day reflect her power, focus and sheer presence on the bike. There was no staging, no forcing the moment, just Liz in her element, where movement gave her freedom and purpose.

Later, as her condition progressed and cycling became impossible, Liz turned to swimming. She never stopped. I returned to document that part of her journey, capturing her refusal to let illness define her identity. The resulting portraits are softer, more intimate, yet no less strong. These are the moments I seek as a photographer, the ones that live beneath the surface, where light and spirit meet. What drives my work is that space between resilience and vulnerability. I don’t believe in picture-perfect. I believe in truth told beautifully. It’s about showing what sport gives back to the people who live it.