Film on disability barriers nominated for Bafta

A film featuring a Kent boy who lives with a rare condition has been nominated for a Bafta TV award.

Sky's Disability & Me examines the life of George Tappenden who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness.

George, 13, from Hawkenbury near Tunbridge Wells, said he wants to use his disability to make change, urging the government and public to make the world a more accessible place.

He says he chooses to look on the positive side, adding: "Even though I have SMA and I've had some big surgeries, I find myself fortunate and lucky."

George said he hopes to go to university one day and become an engineer.

This year, he has more public speaking events in his diary, adding: "I want to keep doing this until we have an accessible and inclusive country."

The documentary, released on YouTube in May 2024, follows George and other disabled children and their lives growing up in the UK.

George says he hopes his courage, and that of Isla and Harmonie-Rose, who also feature in the film, "allows the public to see into our lives so we could raise awareness on the barriers we face with our disabilities".

The film has been nominated in the Children's: Non-Scripted category.

George's mother, Lucy Frost, added: "I'm very proud of him.

"He's done extremely well given the circumstances, and I'm more assured that he'll go on to achieve much more in the future.

"I think shining a spotlight on disability is really important," she said.

"The younger generation need to find their voice now because I think they're going to need it later on, more than ever, to advocate for themselves and their peers."

The BAFTA Television Awards will take place on 11 May.

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