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A children's charity which supports seriously-ill youngsters by granting their wishes has launched a virtual art gallery of some of their work.
Rays of Sunshine has displayed artwork created by children who are all living with a serious or life-limiting illness. Three girls from Dartford, Herne Bay and Deal are among those to have their work go on show.
Created alongside Moyosa Media, award winners in digital technology, the gallery aims to celebrate the bond between Rays of Sunshine and its beneficiaries, in addition to recognising the charity’s patrons and supporters.
Each child has depicted their own interpretation of the theme sunshine, happiness and laughter and many of the pieces of art were created during group creative workshops with Rays of Sunshine.
Stella, aged nine from Dartford, suffers from neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder which causes tumours and has resulted in Stella undergoing surgery.
In 2018, Rays of Sunshine granted her greatest wish to be a guide dog trainer for the day at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Stella loves all things furry and her artwork is called Fulfilled Dreams.
Olivia, aged five and from Herne Bay, suffers from retinoblastoma and has had her right eye removed, in addition to enduring chemotherapy treatment and proton beam therapy.
In 2019, Rays of Sunshine granted her wish to stay at Disneyland Paris with her family. Her artwork, Royalty At Its Best, is inspired by a fairy and wiggly snake.
Libby, aged 16 from Deal, suffers from a brain bleed and cavernoma, a cluster of abnormal blood vessels usually found in the brain and spinal cord, and has had brain surgery.
In 2019, Rays of Sunshine sent her to Disney World Florida with her family to swim with dolphins. Her artwork ‘M-I-C-K-E-Y-M-O-U-S-E’ is inspired by her happy place.
Rays of Sunshine chief executive Lindsey Bennister said: "Every piece on display was created by a child living with a serious or life-limiting illness and the result is a collection of art as unique and inspiring as the children themselves.
"During the pandemic, Rays of Sunshine has been committed to continuing to support families across the UK, and provide joy and hope, and this gallery is no exception.
"Bringing together the children and families via virtual art sessions has resulted in some incredible pieces of art, which we are very proud to display.
"We’re incredibly grateful and thankful to everyone who made this possible, including our generous sponsors, Moyosa Media and, of course, all our very talented artists.”
The Rays of Sunshine Children’s Art Gallery can be seen here.
For more information, or ways to support Rays of Sunshine visit the website here.
