Photographer and human rights campaigner Nancy Durrell McKenna has lived and worked in Hampstead for 24 years. She recently received a prestigious award for her photography which highlights the need for better maternity care for mothers around the world.

Photographer and human rights campaigner

Nancy Durrell McKenna has lived and worked

in Hampstead for 24 years.

She recently received a prestigious award for her photography which highlights the need for better maternity care for mothers around the world.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN HAMPSTEAD?

Since 1983, and I love it. I live on Fitzjohn's Avenue where my studio and the office for SafeHands (which aims to reduce mortality rates of women who die during pregnancy). I feel very privileged to live so close to the centre of London and yet have such a sense of greenery.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LIVE IN HAMPSTEAD?

We had been living near Paddington and my artist friend Maty Grunberg suggested we look at a flat, the one we're still living in. We fell in love with it and there was no turning back. It is a very artistic community - we have a good selection of galleries locally. It's an environment that's conducive to creativity.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE BUILDING IN HAMPSTEAD?

I don't think there's just one in particular. I love Kenwood House. It always makes me smile when I walk past, which I do daily.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING HERE?

I always used to walk my children to school and one of the things I used to love most was walking through the streets and saying good morning and smiling to the same people every day, even though I didn't know their names.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN HAMPSTEAD?

I don't have a favourite, but I love Eriki (Indian restaurant, off Finchley Road). I also love Beyoglu, a Turkish restaurant which is great fun and value and Le Cellier de Midi on Church Row in Hampstead is also a fun one, and very cosy. But I don't eat out a lot as I've got two sons and a husband who are all great cooks.

WHICH BOOK ARE YOU READING AT THE MOMENT?

Rohinton Mistry's A Fine Balance. I'm just starting it, but I read Such a Long Journey by him before and I'm very excited. I like his work.

IF YOU WERE MAYOR FOR A DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

I think we could improve sports facilities. I've got sons and there aren't really any pitch areas. The other thing is the parking restrictions. It's not a very fair system. I believe a lot of the small shops just haven't been able to survive because of it.

WHAT WOULD YOUR EPITAPH BE?

I would like to think it would say she spread love, life and laughter. I would like to be known as someone who made a difference to people's lives, recognised the importance of love and did it all through laughter. I think the three Ls are all that's important.