Best-selling author and artist Charlie Mackesy donates prints to NHS staff in Cumbria
A best-selling British artist and author has donated two prints of his work to hospitals in North Cumbria.
Staff from North Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust were given the artwork by popular artist Charlie Mackesy, to support the trust's wellbeing programme.
His book, ‘The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse’ features beautiful illustrations and calligraphy and tells a powerful story of love and friendship.
When the health psychology team praised the illustrations on Twitter, Mackesy chose to donate the prints in recognition of their extraordinary work during the pandemic.
Dr Louise Harrold, Senior Clinical Psychologist said: "One of the popular prints we have used features the quote “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy, “Help” said the horse.
"This has resonated with many of our staff and helped them to understand that ‘it’s okay not to be okay’, and that they are not alone in what they are feeling, we are here to help and support if and when it’s needed."
Deputy Sister, Fiona McNaughton from the Cumberland Infirmary said: "We hadn’t heard about Charlie Mackesy before but everyone knows that we lost a colleague from Covid and Louise brought the book up as part of the healing process.
"Everyone thinks it’s fabulous and we can all relate to being either the boy, the fox, the horse or the mole. It’s given people support and made them feel important and loved really."