Bonner, 74, exhibits watercolours in aid of hospice

A 74-YEAR-OLD Bexhill man who turned his hand to painting four months ago is exhibiting watercolours at St Michael's Hospice and hopes to raise "a fortune" to support the hospice's work.

The artist, who is known as Bonner, is a regular at the hospice's day therapy centre and now has his freshly-painted masterpieces up for sale.

He was persuaded to turn his hand to painting by nurses and by volunteer Diane Abbott, who teaches watercolour art.

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Bonner was encouraged by the response to his watercolours and decided to sell them to raise money for the cash-strapped hospice.

He said: "There are paintings by other people who come to day care.

"They come from all over Hastings and Rother, because it is not just the activities on offer that are good, it is the relationships and support between us that really make a difference.

"The staff here are my rock, and Diana the art teacher has been my mentor.

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"I want the art show to raise a fortune. The hospice needs it."

Fourteen years ago, Bonner moved to Bexhill with his family. He suffered a heart attack, but afterwards prolonged his life by walking five miles a day along the promenade.

Because his heart is still very weak, Bonner's doctor recommended the hospice's day care programme.

Before attending the hospice, Bonner felt the day therapy centre had little of interest to offer him.

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But when he finally walked through the doors, he found that there was almost too much to see and do '“ from talks on how to referee football matches to entertainment from Elvis Presley impersonation groups. The programme also includes an insider's guide to how Parliament works from Hastings MP Michael Foster.

The art of watercolour painting is just one of a series of creative and relaxing activities on offer at the day therapy centre which holds sessions in a light and airy ground floor area overlooking the hospice gardens.

Recently the Body Shop gave a demonstration and talk. Among the most popular events are the frequent feel-good days offering hairdressing, reflexology, aromatherapy, chiropody and manicures.

Earlier this year, a sweet-making course had the participants producing mouth watering coconut ice and fondant creams.

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Clare Pepper, day therapy team leader said: "Our service is available for people to do as much or as little as they want.

"We find that many activities bring relief, fun and distraction for people and helps them to divert their focus away from their symptoms."

The paintings by Bonner and other artists who attend day care at the Hospice - Keith, Olive, Stan and Margaret - are to be put on display in reception for staff and visitors to view for three weeks.