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Highlights - Words

  • 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'.

  • CRIPtic x Spread the Word Salon – Selected Open Mic Poet (2025).

  • Lead Author for 'Disabled Leaders' piece at DARK (Disability Action Research Kollective) Magazine (2025).

  • My novel-in-progress, Fractured Tadpoles Grow in the Dark, shortlisted by Curtis Brown Creative (Autumn 2024).

  • Contributed to anthologies and writing groups, including Royston Circle and Cambridge Writers (since 2017).

  • Organising a poetry competition sponsored by University of Nottingham to raise awareness of socioeconomic and disability issues (2024–2025).

  • Written for The Pharmaceutical Journal and served as an editor and storyteller, using my healthcare background to challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalised voices.

  • Working on disability representation through initiatives such as ACE’s Reflecting Realities and as a member of ADCI (2024–present).

  • Participated in creative initiatives such as Germany’s Gallery 4, which bridges art and social change (2024–present).

  • Contributed to the Changing Expectations project, highlighting barriers for disabled and disadvantaged individuals in career progression (2018).

  • Collaborated on policy reform and media initiatives with organisations such as The Royal Society, Gingerbread, and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2014–Present).

  • Supported young writers in Ilford schools, leading to the publication of an anthology (2011).

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Maria Lightwood

Writer & Poet

Highlights - Film, TV & Beyond

  • Selected for the ITV mentoring programme (2025).

  • Led creative initiatives such as Germany’s Gallery 4, which bridges art and social change (2024–present).

  • 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)

  • Acted and contributed as an artist in the video-game ERICA (2019).

  • Radio working for Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (2017).

  • Featured as the main performer in King’s Talent Show, including a live performance and CD release to raise funds for a helipad (2014).

  • Acted in BBC 'Spotless' Channel 4 drama (2015).

  • Supported artists at various exhibitions (ongoing).

  • Performed with choir at Wembley (2004).

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