A NURSE from Sulham has set up an online auction of postcard-sized pictures to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire.

62-year-old Gillian Alderton, who works at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, contacted local artists, art groups, family and friends and asked if they would donate a ‘mini masterpiece’ to be auctioned.

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The call-out resulted in a flurry of support from the local art community, with more than 100 pieces of artwork donated to the auction, using a range of mediums including acrylic, charcoal, watercolour and pastel.

Included in the collection is a piece by Gillian’s son Chris, guitarist in rock band The Amazons.

Gillian said: “Coronavirus is having a devastating impact on funding and as a nurse at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, I wondered what I could do to help.

"Rather than just asking friends for donations or sponsorship, I thought a postcard-sized art auction would benefit the artist, local community and charity.

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"I hoped it would give those stuck at home during this time an opportunity to contribute. Art is therapy!"

Laura Kell, Head of Hospice Fundraising at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Gillian, who has given her time to organise this auction alongside her incredible contribution as a Sue Ryder Nurse.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity towards our Emergency Appeal and we hope that fundraising activities like this will provide a way for everyone to support us and go some way to making up our shortfall in funds caused by the coronavirus pandemic.”

Since its launch on Monday, June 1, the ‘mini masterpieces’ auction has raised more than £3,000.

To view the full collection, which closes for bids on Sunday, June 15, visit: www.givergy.uk/sueryder2020.