AN AMATEUR filmmaker is making his debut in the cinema world after overcoming multiple sclerosis to premier his first work at a multiplex in West Swindon.

Simon Sly will launch his compilation of short films, entitled The 12 Wonders of the Short Film World, to an audience of more than 100 invited guests.

The 30-minute screening is a huge milestone for the author and part-time maths tutor, who has difficulty walking, speaking and using his hands and suffers mental and physical fatigue.

But throughout some tough times the world of cinema has given him a sense of purpose.

Simon, from Stratton, regularly goes to the movies with friends and his walls are graced with pictures of screen greats, including one of his idols, director Christopher Nolan.

“I had the idea for a compilation of short films when I was at university,” he said. “Even though I was doing a mathematics degree I was inspired to think a bit differently and creatively.

“The compilation is the end result of years of work. The films are mostly humorous and a bit silly really, though some are serious. The night is a big debut and the most high-profile thing I have done

“I’m hoping people will enjoy the films and find them funny.”

Simon, 39, had to overcome primary progressive MS – which gets gradually worse over time - as he brought his idea to life.

“It’s been quite difficult,” he said. “Fortunately, I made the short films before my MS was worse, but in terms of making the compilation it was difficult to use the keyboard because of my shaking hands. It’s just been about perseverance over the past few years to bring it together. The film has given me something to concentrate on that has an end goal to work towards.”

The former St Joseph’s Catholic College teacher had already started shooting the short films before he was diagnosed eight years ago.

He then began editing the compilation in 2015 and has the future ambition of making a feature film, having already written six scripts.

Though the screening is free for invited guests Simon has hired Screen 1 out of his own pocket.

He said: “Unfortunately I have primary progressive MS, which unlike relapsing-remitting MS means I will just get worse over time.

“I’m just trying to do as much as I can. I would like to do another compilation next time, but I don’t know if I will be able to. With some people it can be 50 years and they don’t get any worse, so I’m hopeful.”

The cinema screening takes place for invited guests only at Cineworld Shaw Ridge on Sunday, July 9.