Hannah Shelmerdine is a young woman with severe cerebral palsy, a lifelong condition affecting movement and coordination that requires round-the-clock care and support. Despite these challenges, she is full of determination, curiosity, and a strong desire to experience life beyond the limits of her daily routine.

For much of her life, Hannah’s world was shaped by structure and dependency. While she was never physically alone, she often experienced isolation, boredom, and a lack of meaningful engagement. Over time, this led to frustration and a longing for independence, achievement, and a way to express who she is beyond her condition.

A turning point came when Hannah was introduced to new activities that opened unexpected doors—offering not just recreation, but confidence, freedom, and a sense of possibility she had not previously experienced. These moments became transformative, allowing her to explore what independence could look and feel like in her own way.

We first met Hannah through a film project commissioned by the charity Activity Alliance, aimed at highlighting how sports providers can create more inclusive and meaningful experiences for disabled people. As part of that project, we filmed five disabled athletes, but Hannah’s story stayed with me long after filming ended. There was something deeply compelling in her presence, her honesty, and her resilience that made me want to spend more time understanding her world.

That connection led to the development of a more personal short documentary and photo-essay, working more closely with Hannah to tell her story in a way that combines moving image, still photography, and her own voice.

At its core, Hannah’s story is one of courage, persistence, and quiet strength. It is about the search for independence within constraint, and the power of new experiences to reshape how we see ourselves. I feel genuinely privileged that Hannah trusted me to step into her world and help share it.