UK Success in Global Photo Competition

Nine-year-old Alex Lipov from West Sussex has won a grand prize in our global photo competition for his action photo of his family kayaking. 

The winners of the Baxter Global photo competition “Picture your Tomorrow Today” were formally announced at the World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) Congress in Instanbul held in June 2008. Entrants included people from eight different countries who submitted photographs with explanations about what they believe the future might hold for them. 

Alex’s prize was a trip to the WFH Congress in Istanbul and his winning photo was taken during a family trip to Menorca, Spain.  He said:  “In the future, I will be adventurous like the all-action wildlife hero, Nigel Marven.  I want to travel to many places around the world, taste new food, learn new cultures and visit risky places.  I see my life as an exciting journey that will never stop.”

Alex was diagnosed with haemophilia when he was 14 months old after a cut on his head would not stop bleeding.  When he was young he had repeated knee and toe joint bleeds and now needs prophylactic infusions two to three times a week.

Alex and his family are very appreciative of the support they have received from their local Haemophilia Treatment Centre, Haemophilia Society and Baxter. 

Another UK entrant, Henry Dodson from Wiltshire received an honourable mention in the competition.  The photograph of him water skiing was also exhibited at the congress.  He said: “I have always believed I could fly.  Thanks to Baxter I can.  I would like to see a tomorrow where ALL haemophiliacs could take off and spread their wings as I have been lucky enough to be able to.”

Helen Greensmith, Clinical Nurse Specialist in haemophilia from St George’s Hospital said: "It is fantastic that two young people from the UK have been recognized in this competition.  The progress that is being made within haemophilia care means that people with haemophilia can do more than ever before which is reinforced by the entries that Alex and Henry made."

“We were extremely impressed with the quality of entries and level of community interest in this year’s contest,” said David Holliday, Vice President of Baxter’s global haemophilia business.  “We believe these photographs truly capture the spirit and evolution of the community, and we have been proud to provide our continued support to people living with haemophilia.”