Pontefract artist to auction off work in support of local hospice

Rachel List captured the attention of the nation with her heartwarming wall murals that she completed around her hometown to spread awareness and support for the frontline key workers.

Now, she has teamed up with Andy Barker, who runs his own fencing business in Castleford, to paint two boards and the pair will auction them off to the highest bidder to raise money for the Prince of Wales Hospice and the NHS.

Rachel said: “Andy approached me with the idea, he said he could supply me with some boards to paint and asked if I’d be interested in auctioning them off to help the NHS and the hospice.

“I recognised that with media attention my art has been receiving, we could use it to raise some funds for these causes.

“Andy gave me a free creative rein, but the main point is to raise money because of the strain that coronavirus is putting on NHS and particularly the hospice.

“Weeks ago we put them on display on Spittal Hardwick Lane, Andy wanted to give something for local people to get enjoyment from as they walk past.

“The NHS gets a lot of funding magnitude, but with what’s happening now is that the funding is just not enough and the Prince of Wales Hospice relies a lot on their fundraising events which have been cancelled due to lockdown.”

The first auction, the board for the NHS began on Friday May 8 on Barkers Fencing Facebook page, the auction will end today, Thursday, May 14 at 6pm.

The second board is being auctioned off for the Prince of Wales Hospice, starting on Friday, May 15 and will end the following week.

Andy, who supplied Rachel with the boards, said: “I decided to do an auction rather than a raffle because it’s easier to manage with me being back at work now.

“I saw Rachel’s first mural in Pontefract, and I was talking to a customer who suggested approaching her about boards and auctioning them.

“So we got her the boards and paints and she agreed to help raise money for our local Hospice and the NHS.

“But it’s also about raising awareness and thanks in such a difficult time, we’ve had bidders in touch from across the country.

“Local people have been donating too, they’re diamonds giving whatever they give in these hard times.

“This act is about creating goodwill and community spirit while raising some money, I’m proud to be doing this with Rachel, she’s a lovely girl.”

For more details or to take part in the auction, visit Barkers Fencing on Facebook.