Comedian with muscular dystrophy reflects on Running Man image in unique online exhibition

A Warrington comedian with muscular dystrophy has reflected on one of fifty photographs, as part of a unique new online exhibition helping raise funds for research into the muscle-wasting condition.

Reflections in Colour, launched this week and is a series of pictures born of the friendship between a businessman and a successful cinematographer

Andy, 28, lives with his family in Warrington, is a born mimic, who trained as an actor when he left school, going to college first, then on to university, where he studied comedy writing and performance, alongside acting for camera.
He was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy at the age of four, when he found running difficult. He began to use a powered wheelchair at 12. He cannot walk or stand independently and has carers to help with his personal needs. Andy has a positive, can-do attitude on life. Since graduating, he has performed in theatres in the north-west and at The Edinburgh Fringe. He loves to sing in choirs and dance with inclusive companies.
For Reflections in Colour, Andy chose to comment on Running Man.
He said: “ I can identify with the lone man as he runs along the Thames. There he is, under the watchful eyes of the streetlamp. It’s like me, wherever I go I am watched, or at least I feel that way. Eyes watch me because I am in a wheelchair. It’s like my own performance. I can’t pass unnoticed even though sometimes I may want to. Eyes are everywhere.
“The sky is a backdrop mix of darkness and light. Like life, with light and shade and its difficult moments mixed with good ones. There’s always light at the end of a tunnel. Light after darkness.
“At this time of COVID, there’s been darkness but light will follow.
I like to travel in my Powerchair along the Thames, especially the Southbank near the National Theatre. I can get away from others, too, if they can’t keep up with me. I call it ‘running’, as I can get up a speed and head along to Bankside. The river is never calm, it drives the man to run, like it drives me to keep going. The city is vibrant, but the man’s on the other side, by the water. The waves push, the wind carries me like it carries him. He is alone, challenging himself. That’s how I feel sometimes. Life is full of challenges.
“After his run, I think he will feel invigorated; I feel invigorated when I challenge myself. I carry on, although the night falls, the lights guide us until we reach our destination.”
Retired Director of Photography, Chris Howard has worked in film and television all over the world, with credits from film classics like North Sea Hijack and International Velvet, through countless commercials, documentaries and television shows including Minder, Peak Practice and Soldier Soldier and, more recently, New Tricks and Doc Martin.
He has created all the photographs. The exhibition, which features very high-quality prints which are mounted on Foamex 3mm board and printed in Scotland, are available to buy through Chris’ website: crispandsharp.co.uk.
Andrew said: “My friendship with Chris developed after he organised the Kent Castle Walk, four years ago, in aid of MDUK.”
“The idea for ‘Reflections in Colour’ was born after we shared a cup of tea after the walk. Chris’ photograph named ‘Pot of Tree’ was a symbol of sharing and fun. We initially named this new fundraising campaign ‘Pot of Tree’ so we could share the photographs and reflections with everyone. Every sale will result in a donation to MDUK.
“Chris’ daughter also has muscular dystrophy, and after that first experience together, Chris and I would often meet for coffee.
“I was blown away by his wonderful artwork, and what we originally planned as an actual show in a Whitstable art gallery has become a virtual exhibition.”
Chris said: “When I met Andrew, his enthusiasm and energy made everything possible. We have remained very good friends.
Louise Moffat, MDUK Regional Development Manager for London, South East and East England, said: “I am filled with admiration for the work Andrew and Chris have done to create this extensive exhibition. The power in their friendship is fantastic. #mymate. I am very grateful to them for donating to MDUK through the sales. The images are completely unique and all of very high quality. I can’t decide which one I would choose to hang on my wall.”
To view the exhibition CLICK HERE