Be Still, My Heart is a documentary project about teenage mothers in South Wales, UK. Britain has one of Europe's highest rates of teenage pregnancies and in the eyes of society this is still looked down upon.
I was interested to meet young girls and let them tell their stories through photos and interviews. Meeting them has given me a positive insight into a situation that is often regarded as a ‘mistake’. In fact the young mothers I photographed – whom many see as “irresponsible” – are proud women and brave mothers who, from as early as 16, fight to defend their dignity with a humbling maturity. Some have experienced domestic hardships, others were in doubt if they should terminate or go through with their pregnancies, even though nearly always advised not to. Nonetheless, none of them has regretted their decision, and now many consider their children their saving grace.