Former Littlehampton mayor auctions Captain Tom picture for NHS Charities Together

Emma Neno recently won the judge’s vote in the Pier Road Coffee & Art January blues art competition and was ‘over the moon’ to take first place in the wildlife art category with her coloured pencil drawing of a gorilla.

She drew her portrait of Captain Tom on Tuesday, February 2, after hearing of his passing that morning and thought it would be nice to auction it for the NHS Charities Together.

Emma said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was such a remarkable man who shone a light on our darkest days and was an inspiration to us all, a true hero of our country.

“If the picture of Sir Tom can raise any money for the NHS, then that would be great. The NHS means so much to me. Fundraising meant a lot to Sir Tom, as it does to me.

“I was mayor of Littlehampton in 2012 and the amazing Littlehampton community helped me raised more than £21,000 for CancerWise and Home-Start Arun during my term of office.

“I did GCSE art many, many years ago. Following that, ten years ago I drew a little to help me focus when I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. At the time, I was a single mum and my children were four and six years old - it was a very frightening time. The NHS were amazing with the care they gave me and this year in August, I am ten years cancer free.

“I started drawing again in the first lockdown to give me something positive to do and to give me a focus again. I have been thoroughly enjoying art during the pandemic lockdowns, it has given me purpose during these very difficult times we are living in.”

Emma posted her picture on Facebook last week and it was shared by Rustington Parish Council, where she works.

Picture This, the Littlehampton framers, is supporting the auction by mounting and framing the drawing as its donation. All money raised will go to NHS Charities Together.

The auction was set up on February 4 and people can make bids via the inbox on the Facebook page Drawing Charity Auction up until 8pm on Sunday, February 28. Bids started with a £50 bid and now stand at £100.