'Nature photography helps me forget MND diagnosis'

Ken Blackburn's photography will be displayed at the Rob Burrow Centre
- Published
Photos taken by a man living with motor neurone disease (MND) are to be displayed at the new Rob Burrow Centre.
Work by Ken Blackburn, from York, will adorn the walls of the specialist facility being built in Leeds and named in memory of the the late Leeds Rhinos star.
The 67-year-old, who was asked to contribute his work by Leeds Hospitals Trust, said photography allowed him to "get outdoors into nature and forget about MND for a while".
"It's a real honour being asked to contribute, and has really helped me to feel I can give something amazing back to MND patients and their families," he said.
Mr Blackburn was diagnosed with MND in 2020, although he said he had been experiencing symptoms of the condition for nearly a decade before.
He has primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) - a rarer, slower progressing form of the condition - and now uses his all-terrain wheelchair to get around outside.
Prior to his diagnosis, his retirement plan had always been to become a semi-professional landscape photographer.
"I really think photography gives me a mental boost, he said.
"I've found my happy place out in nature which is better than any drug.
"It certainly has a calming effect on me."

Mr Blackburn has captured scenes from across the region, including Yorkshire Arboretum

Some of Mr Blackburn's favourite photography includes wildlife
Mr Blackburn has shot recognisable countryside scenes from across the region, including Fountains Abbey, Castle Howard and Yorkshire Arboretum.
Some of his favourite photography includes wildlife; in particular red squirrels which he said he had to be "very patient" in order to capture.
While taking pictures from his powerchair proved to be "challenging at first", he has learnt to overcome its limitations and find the best position to shoot from.
According to him, there is a temptation too stray too far, which once resulted in his chair being extracted from a bog - but luckily everyone saw the funny side, he said.
For the last four years, Mr Blackburn has also created a calendar of his images, which has helped to raise £2,500 for the charity MND Association.
He has been invited to the Rob Burrow Centre for MND in December to view his artwork.
The £6.8m facility, at Seacroft Hospital is due to open later this year, and will offer care and support to those with motor neurone disease and their relatives.
Mr Blackburn said it meant a lot that his pictures could serve a good purpose, leaving a legacy after he moves away from Yorkshire, to relocate to Northern Ireland.
"I see it being something that other local people with MND can enjoy in the future," he added.
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