A film by Barnsley-based NHS video specialists Deadline Digital has won a national industry award.
Jake’s Story won the silver award at Communicate Magazine’s 2025 Lens Awards in the Best Documentary Style Video category beating multinational organisations such as Amazon and Zurich Insurance PLC to the second prize.
Deadline Digital, along with Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, created the emotive film in 2024 to promote the NHS Trust’s CONNECT eating disorder service.
Jake’s Story tells the powerful story of 25 year-old Jake from Northern Ireland and their recovery from Anorexia Nervosa.
“I’m thrilled to see Jake’s Story being awarded at a national level. This project was always about creating something honest and impactful and I’m really proud to see it recognised in this way, particularly amongst a field of such high quality.”
Sam Johnston – Videographer, Deadline Digital
“This is a win for the power of video journalism and great storytelling – massive congratulations.”
Oliver Tipper – Head of Communications, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Spanning industries such as education, healthcare, technology and finance, the Lens Awards for Corporate Video celebrates those who excel in visual communications, producing work that is as innovative as it is impactful.
“I am beyond proud of this amazing team for winning big at the Lens Awards. Their talent and dedication have not only been recognised on a national stage but have also amplified the critical conversation around eating disorders. This award is a reminder of the power of storytelling to drive change, and I’m so grateful to be part of a team that uses its voice to shine a light on such important issues. Big thanks also to Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and of course to Jake for trusting us to convey this really important subject. Let’s keep pushing forward, telling stories that matter, and making a difference.”
Geoff Fox – MD, Deadline Digital
The evening’s winners included Conversation Over Borders and Bladonmore for their documentary on refugee integration, BT and DRPG for an internal campaign on family leave and Anglo American and Gorilla Gorilla! for a platinum sustainability narrative. Social impact was a major focus, with University of Warwick taking home Gold for a sustainability series and CGI UK’s diversity campaign sparking important workplace conversations.
“It is through video that the creativity of some of the strongest corporate campaigns is most apparent,” says Rebecca Pardon, editor at Communicate magazine.
“We pride ourselves on our ability to discover and celebrate the very best in the field, but our awards programme is also an opportunity to gain invaluable insights.”
“The quantity and calibre of entries this year was outstanding but not at all surprising; being now in our fifth year of the Lens Awards, we are well aware of the skill and creative expertise humming within this sector,” Pardon continues. “An enormous congratulations to our spectacular winners for their commitment to achieving the best communications through film!”
