Artist and art therapist Kev Benson is preparing to paint 100 watercolour sunsets in one day to raise funds for UHNM Charity.
Kev will begin the challenge on Friday 25 September on the mezzanine floor near the main entrance of Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Each painting takes around six minutes to complete, meaning Kev expects to spend close to ten hours working through all 100 sunsets.
Kev said: “I worked out that I can complete a watercolour painting in about six minutes, which gave me the idea of painting 100 sunsets in one day.
“It should take around ten hours. I’m hoping to have some of the paintings on display so people can see how they are created and the resilience it will take to complete the challenge.”
Kev uses art to support young patients and their families at Staffordshire Children’s Hospital at Royal Stoke. His work, funded by UHNM Charity, gives children an opportunity to express themselves and take their minds away from the treatment they face.
He said: “There is something special about helping people become creative. As we grow up, we sometimes lose touch with our imagination.
“I’ve seen so many children, mums and dads become engaged with art. It gives them time to switch off from what they are going through and focus on being creative.
“I get a real buzz from seeing children who may have previously had a negative experience with art become excited about using the creative ability that is in all of us.”
Money raised through the challenge will help UHNM Charity fund projects, equipment and support that improve the experience of patients and families across UHNM.
Kev added: “The NHS does an amazing job, and the Charity provides extra support for families and funds equipment that can make a big difference.
“My own work is funded by UHNM Charity, so this challenge is a chance for people to support what I do and the work taking place across the hospitals.”
Supporters donating £50 or more will also have the opportunity to receive one of Kev’s original sunset paintings.
