Sophie's story: Our 2020 photography competition winner

The Land Trust’s annual photography competition had a fantastic 235 entries this year and after a public vote, the winner has been revealed.

The winning photograph was taken at Elba Park on 28 October by Laura Hope at the end of a special walk with her daughter Sophie.

Elba Park in Sunderland is known by this family as Sophie’s happy place and during lockdown, the park became very special to them.

Three-year-old Sophie underwent treatment for a brain tumour last year and lost her ability to walk, however this year’s lockdown has been a motivation to get her back on her feet.

Laura said:

“This photo was taken just after Sophie walked independently for 1.5 miles around the park, which is a huge achievement.

“I love the way the sun is shining behind her and the massive smile on her face. We call Elba Park her ‘happy place’ and that shines through in this photo. It means so much to us as a family.”

Laura will be using the £100 prize to buy supplies for The Sick Children’s Trust, who supported the family with their ‘home-from-home’ at the hospital when Sophie was unwell.

Alan Carter, Director of Portfolio Management at the Land Trust, said, “This photograph of Sophie is so much more than a precious moment captured.

“The photo, along with the story behind it, is one of those stories that reminds us why our green spaces can be so important.

“It’s been an incredibly hard year for all of us, and the fact that families such as Sophie’s have been able to get out of the house and use the time in these green spaces to make memories and achieve amazing things is inspiring.

“I think this year, more than ever, we are learning to appreciate the simpler things in life more. Simple things such as a walk in the park with family and friends have a huge positive impact on us, and I’m so pleased that people have shared that with us.”

To see all of this year’s entries, see below: