Highlights - Words
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Honourable Mention in the Flash Prose Prize (2025) by guest judge Meg Pokrass for "Sleeping Dogs Lie in Fetal Position", praised by the editors as a 'standout' and 'one of the best'.
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CRIPtic x Spread the Word Salon – Selected Open Mic Poet (2025).
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Lead Author for 'Disabled Leaders' piece at DARK (Disability Action Research Kollective) Magazine (2025).
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My novel-in-progress, Fractured Tadpoles Grow in the Dark, shortlisted by Curtis Brown Creative (Autumn 2024).
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Contributed to anthologies and writing groups, including Royston Circle and Cambridge Writers (since 2017).
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Organising a poetry competition sponsored by University of Nottingham to raise awareness of socioeconomic and disability issues (2024–2025).
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Written for The Pharmaceutical Journal and served as an editor and storyteller, using my healthcare background to challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalised voices.
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Working on disability representation through initiatives such as ACE’s Reflecting Realities and as a member of ADCI (2024–present).
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Participated in creative initiatives such as Germany’s Gallery 4, which bridges art and social change (2024–present).
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Contributed to the Changing Expectations project, highlighting barriers for disabled and disadvantaged individuals in career progression (2018).
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Collaborated on policy reform and media initiatives with organisations such as The Royal Society, Gingerbread, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2014–Present).
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Supported young writers in Ilford schools, leading to the publication of an anthology (2011).

Maria Lightwood
Writer & Poet
Highlights - Film, TV & Beyond
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Selected for the ITV mentoring programme (2025).
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Led creative initiatives such as Germany’s Gallery 4, which bridges art and social change (2024–present).
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Collaborated on marketing and policy reform initiatives involving animation and multimedia with organisations such as The Royal Society, Gingerbread, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. (2014–present)
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Acted and contributed as an artist in the video-game ERICA (2019).
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Radio working for Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (2017).
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Featured as the main performer in King’s Talent Show, including a live performance and CD release to raise funds for a helipad (2014).
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Acted in BBC 'Spotless' Channel 4 drama (2015).
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Supported artists at various exhibitions (ongoing).
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Performed with choir at Wembley (2004).

