Local child stars in ‘People’s Pick’ at National Portrait Gallery
The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2024 People’s Pick was announced earlier this year, with local boy Shay taking centre stage with his mum, Celia. The photograph titled ‘Celia and Shay’ was taken by Megan Taylor – a London-based photographer, and aunt to Shay.
Shay has Down’s Syndrome, a condition where a child is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. In November 2024, he started at Dame Vera Children’s Charity where he accesses physiotherapy/ conductive education and music therapy sessions to help with his development.
Glenys Creese, CEO of Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, said: “It’s wonderful to see our children celebrated. Shay has made fantastic progress since he started at the centre and it’s brilliant to see so many people vote for the photograph of Celia and Shay at the National Portrait Gallery.”
Shay’s mum, Celia, said: “It was so special to take Shay to see his portrait at the National Portrait Gallery and for us to be featured in the People’s Pick award is amazing! I’m so grateful to DVLCC for all their support, providing amazing teaching and a place to celebrate our children’s achievements. They have made such a lovely impact on my family’s life!”
‘Celia and Shay’ – photograph by Megan Taylor
