A PASSIONATE photographer has overcome all challenges to gain a degree in his favourite subject – and his family, friends and biggest fans couldn't be more proud of him.

Jordan Mossom is officially part of University of Cumbria's Class of 2020, after graduating with a degree in Photography.

But it wasn't an easy feat for the 23-year-old, who suffers from the rare muscle-wasting condition, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Everyday tasks, from eating to bathing and getting dressed in the morning, are a massive challenge for Jordan, and he relies on support from carers and specialist equipment to enjoy the life most take for granted.

And through his impressive talent, the Maryport man has shared his story with Daytime Disability – his final university exhibition.

The series of striking images shows what Jordan goes through every day, raising awareness of the condition and helping those who live with it.

He said: “Whilst I want to give people an insight into some of the things they may take for granted, I also want to give those who are diagnosed with the condition reassurance that life isn’t scary, to show what happens and what can be achieved."

The exhibition captured snapshots of Jordan's life in the first months of the pandemic, between March and May, and show the skilled photographer using equipment including a ventilator and hoist, as well as sharing a personal insight into his relationship with support workers Lauren, Brooke and Heather.

And Jordan has praised the university's endless help, and the facilities at the Brampton Road campus in Carlisle.

“Everyone has been very friendly and supportive and the facilities like the dark room are fantastic," he said.

"They've helped make university a real experience for me and given me confidence to do this.

“Initially it was thought I may have to defer for a year for accessibility adjustments to be made but I was glad to be able to start in September 2017. A new changing place was created on campus whilst I was on the course; some challenges did take more time than others to overcome."

He continued: "The tutors and technicians have been incredibly supportive.

"For instance, there'd be times I’d be late for lectures due to transport delays.

"The size of our cohort meant that when I was late, I was still able to join the group and they’d be able to help me straight away, bring me up to speed on what I’d missed.”

With Jordan creating such a stunning series, all while raising awareness for Duchenne muscle dystrophy, his lecturers couldn't be more proud.

“Daytime Disability is a project that has brought some emotions out of Jordan that are normally hidden behind closed doors out of embarrassment on having to rely on medical equipment and support staff to retain independence," University of Cumbria photography lecturer, Rob Sara, said.

“It has taken lots of confidence for him to show some of these emotions for the first time in a project that will be seen by many people, far and wide, from the public, to friends and family, and to fellow photographers.”

Kate Adcock, director of research and innovation at Muscular Dystrophy UK, is also thrilled to see Jordan thriving in his beloved subject, and said: “We congratulate Jordan on having achieved this terrific degree.

"We also applaud the University of Cumbria for supporting his studies throughout.

"The images for his final project, taken despite the extra effort needed during lockdown, are wonderful.

"This is an outstanding example of someone with a muscle wasting condition making every day count. I’m excited to see how his career progresses.”

To see Jordan's Daytime Disability exhibition, and the work of 129 other final-year art students, visit 2020Vision at www.2020vision.gallery.