Wednesday 11 July 2012
'A Life Worth Living' film makes powerful impact in Parliament
Over 100 supporters joined forces in the Houses of Parliament yesterday to support the film called 'A Life Worth Living: Pushing the Limits of Duchenne' by Trailblazers campaigner, Jon Hastie, in a special screening organised by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.
The film is the story of Jon's journey to meet other adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who are living productive, creative and fulfilling lives.
The film highlights the many challenges he must overcome to make such a journey, and the remarkable lives of the people he meets along the way.
Jon is currently entering the film into international film festivals and will be looking at ways to reach as broad an audience as possible, both within and beyond the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign community.
Paul Maynard MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Young Disabled People, opened proceedings by expressing his support for the film and highlighting the inspirational qualities of the film.
Jon introduced the film and was keen to convey a positive message to match the title of the film itself.
During the film, we were joined by MPs and Peers who were eager to support Jon's film. MPs have also backed the project by signing an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons tabled by Dave Anderson MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy.
The film was powerful and emotive viewing and we had a positive discussion in a Q&A afterwards with Jon and Katie Razzall, the Channel 4 News reporter who interviewed Jon for a feature in April. Supporters shared their support for the film and advice on independent living, highlighting the need for improvements to social care.
Trailblazer, Hannah-Lou Blackall, who attended the screening, commented:
I thought the night was a fantastic success, and am very grateful to Jon for making a film that brought to light such poignant topics. I would also like to thank him for not being afraid to film the realities that young disabled people face. I hope that everyone who watches it finds it as inspirational as I did and I hope they are able to gain further insight into the lives of young disabled people.
For more information about the film, you can visit the 'A Life Worth Living' website or get in touch on 020 7803 4839 and at campaigns@muscular-dystrophy.org
