Amateur artist offers 'free' commissions to raise funds for Macmillan

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. 

He's 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: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10205920747809943&type=3 or email Kevin at: celtictyke@gmail.com.

Or 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.