AN amateur artist from Hyde who is offering to create ‘free’ artwork – in return for donations to Macmillan Cancer Support – has so far raised £584 for the charity.
Kevin Williams lost his wife Hedy to lung cancer four years ago, just six weeks after she was diagnosed, is now hoping to raise £1,000 for the charity to help people living with cancer.
The retired computer programmer uses an Apple Mac, artwork graphics software and a tablet and pen, to produce high quality paintings and prints – copied from photos provided by his clients.
So far, the 72-year-old, who worked at Stockport College before he retired, has completed more than 40 commissions for artwork, ranging from animals and portraits to landscapes, cars, motorbikes and airplanes.
He said: “I enjoy painting and have done it as a hobby for quite a while. However, when Hedy had a stroke in 2016, she was also diagnosed with cancer, and everything happened so quickly.
“Fortunately, she received fantastic support from the Macmillan nurses at Tameside Hospital and I decided I wanted to give something back.
“I started by volunteering at the hospital, but I was also asked to produce some dog portraits and instead of being I paid I asked for donations to go to Macmillan.
“After that I decided to take commissions to create bespoke artwork and try and raise as much money for Macmillan so they can continue to help people living with cancer.”
Kevin, who has a daughter, Paula, had started to display his artwork at Tameside Hospital, and also looked into an exhibition at the town hall – until the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to his plans.
He is now offering his services free-of-charge to anyone wanting a bespoke piece of artwork in return for a donation to Macmillan Cancer Support.
For further information, to check out his artwork or commission your own piece, go to www.facebook.com/PaintingsForMacmillan or email Kevin at celtictyke@gmail.com
For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit
www.macmillan.org.uk
Alternatively to give, fundraise or volunteer call 0300 1000 200 or visit
www.macmillan.org.uk/donate