Living Every Moment a photographic celebration of life
About the campaign
Living Every Moment is a virtual photography exhibition from Zurich Insurance to help to raise awareness of early cancer screening and detection.
It is curated by acclaimed British photographer Martin Parr and will feature images of the moments that matter to him following his cancer diagnosis in 2021. The campaign is also supported by TV celebrity Merlin Griffiths who was diagnosed with cancer last year.
Each image in the exhibition captures life’s most precious everyday moments through the eyes of people diagnosed with cancer. According to Zurich, more than eight in 10 people living with cancer agreed that their diagnosis made them view life differently and nearly two-fifths (39%) say that they now make the most of every day. When it comes to the most precious moment, 40% cited a hug with a loved one was top of the list.
Zurich has made a £500 donation to Maggie’s for every person featured in the exhibition totalling £20,000. Maggie’s offers support, free to anyone with cancer as well as their families. Their work is carried out through a network of centres across the UK as well as online. To donate to Maggie’s please visit their website.
Living Every Moment exhibition
We’d love to see your Living Every Moment images – use the hashtag #LivingEveryMoment on
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What it's like to live with cancer
Campaign ambassadors
My photographic work captures the beauty in the mundane moments of life – those little snapshots that you may think of as everyday or pedestrian - can take on a magical quality when you open your eyes to seeing it in a different way. The photographers in this exhibition are having to see the world differently as they navigate the world with cancer, yet as you’ll see from these images, the simple tasks and observations become more intense and meaningful.
My bowel cancer diagnosis last year was one of the most frightening moments of my life. However, life is for living, as evidenced by my vibrant, young daughter, so for me, focusing on my ongoing recovery is of prime importance. Seeing how other people find moments of joy whilst they live with cancer makes you realise that there’s beauty all around and you have to stop and appreciate every moment.
Living Every Moment exhibition, meet some of our photographers
Stuart Grant
Stuart is 49 and lives in Norfolk with his wife Emma and daughter Delilah. He was diagnosed with brain cancer a few years ago. Since then, he’s undergone a year of gruelling treatment including brain surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
“Aside from the physical impact of my diagnosis, the situation has totally made me look at what’s important. It sounds cliched but, family suddenly becomes paramount. I want to spend as much time as I can with them and make that time special and memorable.”
Charmaine Wise
Charmaine is 56 and lives in South London. In 2020, she was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer. She had a full hysterectomy and six months of chemotherapy. Since then, she’s had intermittent treatment when the cancer has re-appeared, and more recently, radiotherapy.
“A lunch out with friends is treated with the same joy and enthusiasm I’d have experienced at their weddings and other events I’ve missed due to treatment or illness. When you’re well enough to do things, you throw everything at it to enjoy it to the full."
Katie Phillips
Katie Phillips lives in London and is 44. In February 2022 she was told she had a rare type of thyroid cancer known as hobnail. She’s used her diagnosis to set up her own podcast ‘Talking With Cancer’ to keep a record of her journey.
“I thought rather than relaying my progress to my friends and family, I would send them a recording of a conversation with my friend each week and that evolved into my very own podcast. I found it really cathartic and hope that at the same time, my experiences and the topics I (plus Clair, plus guests) talk about can help others.”
About the Cancer Crisis
Research by Zurich has revealed that one in three said the worst part of their diagnosis was the worry around their family’s future, with more than half (53%) saying that their diagnosis impacted their finances 'to an extreme extent’.
Zurich Insurance’s Hidden Cost of Cancer report also found that 67% of those diagnosed in the last two years have been faced with costs they were not expecting as a result of treatment, averaging £541 a month or almost £6,500 per year.
Charities like our partner, Maggie’s, can help anyone with cancer and their families with free advice and support. Click here to find out more about the services they offer and/or make a donation.