A SET of film spoofs were the centrepiece of a film festival at the University of York staged by a group of young people who all have life-limiting conditions.

The group of around 12 young people were supported by Martin House Hospice Care for Children and Young People which annually supports more than 420 children and young people across North Yorkshire.

They starred and filmed in a series of short spoofs of films, including Jurassic Park and A Christmas Carol, as well as their take on music video Thriller Chiller which received its premiere at the event, entitled Legless and Headstrong: Challenging Perceptions, which also featured a Q&A session.

Dr Jan Aldridge, consultant clinical psychologist at Martin House, said: “It was a very special evening. The audience really enjoyed the films and described the whole event as ‘inspirational’.

“It was also wonderful to see members of the group talking so confidently to the audience.”

The young adults are taking part in a joint project between Martin House and St Leonard’s Hospice in York, looking at how young people can transition from children’s hospice care to adult hospice services.

The project, funded by Together for Short Lives charity, is responding to the growing number of people living into young adulthood with life-limiting conditions, and how they can access suitable care and support as they grow older.

Dr Bill Hulme, medical director at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “The group’s sense of humour really shone through with their imaginative remakes of classic films.

"The design, production and starring roles were led by the young adults, and it was great to see it all come together for the festival.”

For details about Martin House and St Leonard’s, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk and www.stleonardshospice.org.uk.