SCARS OF GOLD...
A HEALTH CAMPAIGN LIKE NO OTHER
Our inaugural health campaign using art became an international success. Using the power of art to put a spotlight on women's health inequalities, inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi.
The power of art. For the Purpose of Change.
Putting a Spotlight on Women's Health Inequalities
Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi, this 2 year campaign captured 160 health topics in a way that has never before been done. Followed by over 70 countries, this campaign was said to be 'making waves' (BBC).
100 VOICES
100 women (our Voices) were interviewed sharing their story of facing their mortality at a young age. Sharing their experiences of facing life changing, incurable or life-limiting conditions in the prime of their life. Interviewed by founder Dr Liz Murray, shared on our podcast - these stories shared their toolkits of survival, how they find strength and where they find joy each morning.
100 SCARS OF GOLD
Inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi - whereby broken ceramics are repaired with gold - this powerful photography series by photographer Sammy Weston captured the scars (seen and unseen) of the 100 women. These photos were displayed at our London exhibition and shared in our coffee table book alongside the stories. Photographs were taken using real gold leaf.
100 ARTWORKS
Acclaimed and emerging artists from across the world responded to an open call. Together they produced 100 artworks, each one inspired by one of the Voices. Capturing in colour what words and photography can't - the essence of strength and determination. These artworks were auctioned to raise money for the charity and are displayed in our coffee table book.
The Vision, Outreach & Impact
A health awareness campaign using art in a way like never before done. We recognise that the power of sharing one person's story can become another person's survival guide. We didn't want to use art to be performative, but to have real impact. Every aspect of the campaign was designed to have maximum outreach and impact to put a spotlight on women's health, providing education, information and signposting at every opportunity.
The VISION...
To put a spotlight on women's health inequalities - by sharing lived experiences of people facing their mortality to provide messages of hope and strength. Delivered alongside medical advice, information and signposting. To create awareness of women's health issues, warning signs of disease but also how to manage the impact of these diseases.
ART for CHANGE
Art can be a powerful way of resonating, connecting and having impact. We wanted to incorporate a broad range of artistic mediums to find new, innovative ways of engagement. But we didn't want our art to be performative, all aspects were delivered and presented to have a clear purpose - of health awareness.
OUTREACH
The campaign attracted followers from every continent, with the podcast listened to in over 70 countries. Those directly involved in the campaign had a collective online following of over 1M. The event and collection covered of 160 health topics, bringing communities of health together in a way never before done.
IMPACT
We were able to provide messages of hope and strength of over 160 health topics across the world. We brought every community of health together in one centralised space which has never before been done. New friendships were formed, people received awareness of new health conditions (and subsequently got diagnosed), we signposted to over 15 charities and organisations for support. The collection has provided a legacy of support, strength and empowerment that has resonated around the world.
A Campaign Directed By Two Women Who Dedicated 18 Months To Its Cause...
The entire production of the Scars Of Gold campaign took over 18 months. Travelling across the UK for filming, photography and curating 100 artworks from artists around the world. All lead by co-directors who volunteered 18 months unpaid to produce this one-of-a-kind campaign...
Dr Liz Murray BCA(h)
Liz had the vision for the Scars of Gold campaign after recovering from facing her own mortality. As an artist as well as a doctor, Liz knew of Kintsugi and saw the potential of applying this to human scars in an empowering series.
Sammy Weston
Sammy began as the photographer for the series after relating to its underlying messages having faced her own mortality in her teenage years. Sammy then partnered with Liz to direct the series and help deliver the campaign to its vision and purpose.
100
Voices (women) interviewed
170
Health topics discussed
70+
Countries following the campaign
100 VOICES available on our podcast
All 100 Voices interviewed have their episodes available on our podcast. Available on any platfor 'Mortal And Strong'. Each just under one hour, interviewed by founder Dr Liz, sharing messages of hope and strength.
100 SCARS OF GOLD - PHOTOGRAPHY
100 ARTWORKS
by acclaimed and emerging artists across the UK
THE EVENT - Women's Health Week 2025
The entire collection of photography and artworks was exhibited in Waterloo, London for Women's Health Week 2025. Alongside the exhibition we hosted 5 days of talks across a broad range of women's health topics by guest speakers, panels of voices and medical experts.
Gallery
An Event like no other...
The conclusion of an incredible campaign
An Event Like No Other, For A Campaign Like No Other
The entire Scars Of Gold season 1 achieved far more than we had hoped. The outreach and impact of sharing 100 voices of lived experience in a dynamic and bold approach was phenomenal. Thank you to all the Voices, artists, speakers, volunteers and sponsors who collectively brought this campaign to the success that it was (and continues to be).
The Anthem - Mortal And Strong
Our own anthem written by Sally Cranham and Tim Gosden to support the charity. Capturing the essence of the charity and its patrons.
Scars Of Gold - The Single
The single of Scars Of Gold, by Sally Cranham and Tim Gosden.
Scars Of Gold Trailer
The trailer for Scars Of Gold during production.
THE BOOK
A high-end coffee table book with a purpose
This book contains all 100 Voices, photographs and artworks. A collection of messages of hope and strength of a wide range of health conditions.
With thanks to our sponsors...
Ut eu sem integer vitae
The Scars Of Gold campaign and event was entirely produced by volunteers - everyone (including Liz and Sammy) volunteered their time and skillset to see the Scars Of Gold become the phenomenal campaign that it was. With thanks to our corporate partners for helping us produce the event.
Scars of Gold II -
Apply now to be a Voice!
We are recruiting Voices for Season 2 which will begin filming late 2025, and throughout 2026 (Exhibition 2027). We are looking to put a focus on men's health, but the campaign is for anyone, any health condition. We are also interviewing carers to hear the impact on the partners/loved ones of those affected. Please register your interest now by clicking the link.
E-mail: contact@mortalandstrong.com
Please note - due to the large volume of applications you may not hear from us for several months. We will read everyone's application and be in touch over the next year!
Help us continue our work
HELP US TO HELP OTHERS.
As a small but rapidly growing charity, our services rely on every penny donated. Every donation goes directly to the vital services straight to people who are facing their mortality at a young age.
Make a one of donation, donate regularly, sponsor or organise a fundraiser. Every pound goes directly to where it is needed, any health challenge.