A local girl from Stroud has been selected as the winner of the under-16 category of Cobalt’s photography competition. Kitty Jacobs saw off some stiff competition as the judges struggled to choose from hundreds of beautiful and inspiring images. Kitty’s photograph “The Light Creeps In” was taken in Portugal while sea kayaking. She visited a cave and loved the way the light came into it. Her image will now go on to help other less fortunate young people as part of a wonderful calendar to raise money for the Cobalt Cancer Nurse Specialist for teenagers and young adults, Megan. Megan looks after 35 young people across the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The charity calendars are now on sale for just £8 from Linton House, Thirlestaine Road, Cheltenham and will make great gifts for Christmas. Winning photographs can also be viewed on Cobalt’s website along with online orders for calendars Calendar 2023 order form – Cobalt Health

Kitty Jacobs said:
“I took the photo in Portugal when we went sea kayaking. We entered through a small passage to the cave and looking back out to sea the light was amazing. The cave was full of natural beauty – the colours of the rock, the sea and the sand complimented each other so well. The kayaks felt so out of place in such an untouched location. I wanted to frame the light with the kayaks to capture the beauty of the moment.”
The charity’s photography competition was a fantastic opportunity for budding young photographers and previous winners have benefited significantly from specialist subscriptions to help develop their skills. Entrants also cited a boost to mental health as a key factor in taking up photography as it encouraged them to go into the great outdoors and discover nature.

Winner of the under-16 category last year, Joe Gregg said “Being outdoors is so good for my mental health and I have learnt so much about my environment and the wildlife that lives in it. I have a diagnosis of dyslexia and dyspraxia which means that I have struggled academically and with sports all through school. I have never really had the sense of achievement before that photography gives me. I am now looking at leaving school and going on to college to study photography which is all thanks to the confidence that winning this competition has given me”.

Kirsty Bradbury, Fundraising Engagement Officer for Cobalt said: “The money raised from calendar sales will be used to fund Cobalt’s Teenage & Young Adult Cancer Nurse who supports some of the most vulnerable in our society; 16 – 25 year olds who have been given a life-threatening diagnosis. Cobalt needs to raise £28,000 each year to ensure that the vital support they receive will continue.”

Anyone who would like to know more about Cobalt’s work should phone the fundraising team on 01242 535922 or email fundraising@cobalthealth.co.uk.