Hospice patients put their artwork on show (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Hospice patients put their artwork on show

7:10am Friday 9th January 2009

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A SELECTION of paintings and photographs by patients of St Richard’s Hospice are on show at Droitwich library.

The title of the exhibition, Strength of Spirit, is something which these patients have in common, says hospice creative therapist Bridget Lloyd.

“One issue for our patients is that of dwindling energy. To help this, Terry and Yo have both received Reiki treatment, which has influenced their art work."

Creative therapist Bridget Lloyd

The exhibition, which runs until Saturday, January 24, is made up of artwork by day hospice patients Terry Dagley and Johanna Cooper and photographs by former patient Paul Beard, who died in the in-patient unit last year.

Terry, aged 69, from Droitwich Spa, is showing acrylic paintings on canvas – highly original concepts which show an astute awareness of physical and spiritual existence.

Johanna Cooper, known as Yo and from Malvern, also exhibits paintings which present her eclectic nature and relate to her heightened awareness since she was diagnosed with cancer.

Creative therapist Bridget Lloyd said: “One issue for our patients is that of dwindling energy. To help this, Terry and Yo have both received Reiki treatment, which has influenced their art work.

“Yo was undoubtedly influenced by the Reiki treatment which she had at St Richard’s, along with other complementary therapies. The care which she has received has helped her to present her truly vibrant personality through her painting.”

There is a selection of photographs by Paul Beard, from Pershore, which document his fascination for world-wide travel.

Charlotte Beard, Paul’s widow, added: “Paul had worked in the corporate world for fourteen years and had taken the opportunity of voluntary redundancy to pursue a career in photography – his passion and gift.

“He had just started on this venture when he became ill, but the photography became a great release from the scary world of hospitals and cancer. His work is now a lasting memory of Paul, his creativity and personality.

“Dedicating some of Paul’s pictures to St Richard’s is for me a terrific opportunity to give something back. I cannot thank St Richard’s enough because I really don’t think I would have coped without such a wonderful facility and dedicated carers,” she said.

The exhibition will also include a wall-hanging inspired by the St Richard’s sacred space by day hospice patient Lyn Ward, from Malvern.

Limited edition prints and photographs will be on sale in aid of the Worcester-based hospice.

All of its services are free and each year St Richard’s cares for in the region of 1,800 patients and families.

This year St Richard’s needs to raise £4.2m to provide all its services.

For more information please visit www.strichards.org.uk

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