Portsmouth artist m-one creates artwork of NHS workers in PPE for campaign to raise money for Queen Alexandra staff

Portsmouth artist m-one, also known as Matt Dixon, recreated the emotion in the photo using stencils and spray paint and it will be the latest piece to go up for auction with all proceeds going to The News’ fundraising campaign for Queen Alexandra Hospital in Cosham.

Matt said: ‘When I saw the photo I thought it was very moving and shows the support and love people are still giving each other during a difficult time.

‘I follow My Dog Sighs and Samo White and saw their pieces that they created for the campaign and I am chuffed to be part of the campaign now too.

The Help Our QA Heroes fund has raised more than £42,000 so far for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust staff and the money has been used to purchase boost boxes, containing refreshments and toiletries, and a wellbeing room with massage chairs and refreshments.

The eBay auction for the next artwork by Roma-May Daly has now started. The Southsea artist has created a watercolour piece with a group of people holding hands in a circle to symbolise unity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Explaining her work Roma said: ‘I wanted to do something about togetherness and community, despite the fact that some of us are quite far apart from our friends and families.

‘There are a lot of good things happening across Portsmouth at the moment and I think it’s important to highlight that.

‘But at the same time there are people who aren’t going by the rules and having large gatherings, like down at the seafront.

‘The thing with unity is that we’re all in this together – we have to stay strong and support each other.’

Previous auctions have seen a piece by My Dog Sighs sell for more than £1,000 and a stencil art piece by Fark, featuring his trademark seagull, sell for £138.

Fark said: ‘Right now is a really horrid time and there is nothing that can take away from the tragedy but I have also seen the community really come together and support each other.

‘Being able to bring a smile to someone’s face with art and the proceeds benefit the NHS staff is amazing.’

To bid on the artwork by Roma-May Daly, click here.

To donate to the appeal visit justgiving.com/campaign/QAhospitalheroes

Any artists wanting to get involved should send an email to [email protected]

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