A Strathearn grandmother has been getting her hands dirty designing colourful artwork to raise money for a cancer charity.
Ginny Russell, 85, has been selling her work at an exhibition this week, with all proceeds going to Shine, a cancer support charity exclusively focused on supporting young adults.
The keen artist from Crieff makes abstract wall hangings as a hobby, but decided to sell them to raise money for Shine after they helped her grandson, Neil MacIvor when he had a brain tumour.
Neil was diagnosed tumour two years ago, when he was just 24. He underwent extensive radiotherapy and the tumour was removed but he was left suffering from depression and anxiety.
After working with Shine, Neil is now living happily and healthily in London and Ginny wanted to give something back.
“When young people are diagnosed with cancer it turns their world upside down,” she said.
“Shine has made a huge difference to Neil’s life. He has met other young people in the same situation as himself, social events are arranged for them, they give advice about coping with their changed lives and on getting back into work.
“I wanted to do something to help them, and also to publicise the work they do.”
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All this week Ginny has been showcasing her work at an exhibition in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, and the proceeds from any sales will be donated to Shine.
Next month she will be exhibiting in Braemar.
The sprightly grandmother’s creative juices began flowing when she studied arts and humanities through the Open University after she retired.
“I’ve been making my designs for a few years now,” she said.
“I don’t sell many but I enjoy it.
“I started a few years ago after I studied artistry and humanities. I loved the studies and decided to start making my own.”
Ginny’s exhibition will be on show in Glenbuchat Hall, Strathdon, until Sunday. It will also be shown in St Margaret’s, Braemar, between October 24 and 28.
