A Perthshire man with no body movement is creating artwork to raise funds for the NHS.
Arthur Gorrie of St Madoes has cerebral palsy and can only move his head. He is non-verbal and communicates with others through eye movements.
The popular 61-year old has a special helmet that enables him to create his paintings.
One of Arthur’s Support Practitioners, Amanda Kipps says the artworks have proved popular in the community.
She said: “Arthur has been raising money for the NHS charities by painting pictures and selling them.
“Arthur paints with a specially made helmet with an attachment for a paintbrush as he has no body movement.
“He has a small exhibition at the Madoch Centre in St Madoes and the rest of his pictures for sale are on his JustGiving page.
“The community has come together and enjoyed his artwork and everyone has had a benefit. Arthur is a well-known character in the community.”
Arthur has around the clock care at home due to his complex needs.
His fundraiser for the health service began in April in the lead up to his 61st birthday.
He decided he wanted to paint 16 pictures and sell them, with proceeds going directly to the NHS.
He turned 61 on June 1, having raised £320 for NHS charities.
Arthur had initially planned an exhibition in the village’s Madoch Centre but was forced to call it off amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, a collection of his paintings are currently at the centre for the public to enjoy while in the café.
Ms Kipps told The Courier Arthur is extremely grateful for the help he has received from the NHS throughout his life, and his fundraiser is a means of him giving back.
“Arthur is still very keen to raise money for the charity as he has been dependent on the NHS his whole life.”
She says that, despite his health challenges, Arthur continues to be an active and well-liked member of his community.
“He is very well-known. He socialised a lot when it was possible, and he is an active member of the church.”
Donations to Arthur’s fundraiser can be made on his JustGiving page.
