A PHOTOGRAPHER has reached the final stage of a national competition after being inspired by a 91-year-old heart valve patient.

Laura Curl teamed up with Bishop Auckland resident, Raymond Stickles, of Bishop Auckland, to take part in the Patient Portraits: A New You competition.

Organised by the UK’s heart valve disease charity Heart Valve Voice, in partnership with The Royal Photographic Society, the competition aims to raise awareness of heart valve disease in the UK.

Mr Stickles, who has received treatment for the condition, was photographed with his wife, to show "precious heartfelt moments".

Ms Curl's work was exhibited at the Houses of Parliament this week and attended by heart disease survivor, MP Steve McCabe.

Ms Curl said: “I’m delighted to have reached the finals of the National Photography Competition. It was a wonderful experience to use a hobby for a good cause."

She added: “I’m grateful to Raymond Stickles for allowing me to photograph him and his wife. The time spent with him showed me the work I have done as a cardiac intensive care nurse has a wonderful impact on patients and how much improvement treatment can provide to quality of life.”

“I am pleased to be part of the photography competition because as a patient, I know the importance of raising awareness of heart valve disease," Mr Stickles added. “The photos of me taken by Laura Curl show that there is life after heart valve disease and that I am able to enjoy what is most important to me including spending time with family and enjoying gardening and playing boules. This would not have been possible without my condition being caught in time therefore it is vital that people are aware and educated on heart valve disease, so they are able to receive the treatment they need.”

To view all of the submissions visit heartvalvevoice.com/photo-competition.