Romina lives in London, but is German born and grew up in Italy. She likes to think that she got the best from the three countries – efficient like a German, passionate like an Italian and she likes to complain like a Brit.

Aged 44, Romina has been using a powered wheelchair for eight years to help her to be more independent and go everywhere without the hazard of falling over and hurting herself. She enjoys performing stand-up comedy and is very much into interior design. Two things a bit tricky for a wheelchair user, but she always finds a way around it. “In Italy, there is a saying that goes: If you want something, you have the power to make it happen.”

For Reflections in Colour, Romina chose to comment on Botanybay Face 2

Description automatically generatedMy first thought when I saw the picture was of a holiday I had a few years ago. I was in Greece with my fiancé and we spotted an amazing beach exactly like the one in this photo. The colours of the sea were just spectacular, a little secluded gem that had to be explored. I could not go to the beach because there was no wheelchair access, but nothing stops me, so my fiancé carried me on his back down the hundreds of steps. I felt a bit like Cleopatra. Fortunately, I was still skinny at the time (not a chance now, this lockdown has not done me any favours). When we arrived on the beach, we realised that it looked much better from the top. The moral of the story is: don’t bother. If the view is perfect from where you are, enjoy it from there. There are many other beautiful places to go to, which are more accessible and enjoyable.

Retired Director of Photography, Chris 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 Robertson, who has limb girdle muscular dystrophy 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 a very high quality. I can’t decide which one I would choose to hang on my wall.”