Wednesday, 19 October 2022
Fundraising
A RENOWNED mouth artist, who was left paralysed from the shoulders down after a freak diving accident in 2009, has revealed a stunning artwork that pays homage to his hero – rugby legend, Doddie Weir.
Artist Henry Fraser has created his own take on the iconic ‘Doddie’5 Tartan’, to help fund for vital research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
The piece “embodies what it means to turn life’s hardships on their head”, and features powerful quotes from both Henry and Doddie, who revealed his own MND diagnosis more than five years ago.
Prints of the painting can be bought online via frameuk.net/product/henry-fraser/, which was founded by the former Scotland international in 2017.
All proceeds from the sales will go directly towards the charity’s aim of one day finding a cure for the devastating disease.
Doddie’s positive outlook and upbeat nature is a ”huge inspiration” to former Saracens academy player Henry, who played rugby throughout his childhood and teenage years.
He said: “Like Doddie, I was an active man prior to my accident. Having that taken away so suddenly was completely life changing.
“It forced me to re-evaluate and recalibrate absolutely everything, and meant transforming my physical strength into mental strength.
“Doddie has done just that, and completely taken it in his stride. He is extremely happy and joyful, and that positive attitude has made such a huge impact on me."
Although we are going through two very different things, I really look up to him as a role model. The way he approaches every day with drive and determination is amazing, and he’s inspired me to live my life the same way.
Henry was just 17 when he suffered catastrophic injuries following a sea-diving accident while on holiday with his friends in Portugal. In January 2015, he rekindled a childhood passion for art by teaching himself to draw and paint with utensils attached to a mouthpiece.
Since then, the 30-year-old has created hundreds of designs, showcasing everything from famous sportspeople, to exotic animals and stunning landscapes.
His collaboration with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is his latest in a long list of projects, and one that he is “honoured” to put to his name.
“The painting isn’t intended to be perfect,” he continued.
“The lines are a bit off and it doesn’t sit perfectly straight, but that’s an honest representation of what life is like.
“This painting is a reflection of two people who have battled something life changing. Even though Doddie and I are going through two very different things, I think the piece brings our experiences together.
“Charities like the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation are absolutely vital when it comes to supporting people going through huge life changes. If I can change just one person’s life through the funds we raise with these digital prints, then I’ll know it’s a job well done.”
Jill Douglas, CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We are really grateful to Henry for kindly creating this special painting for the Foundation
“Henry is an incredibly talented artist who shares the same positive outlook on life as Doddie. We really appreciate his support and it’s because of people like Henry that we can continue to fund vital research into MND and try to give people living with this terrible disease some hope.”
Prints will be available to buy at https://frameuk.net/product/henry-fraser/
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