A creative student is using his artistic flair to raise funds for the hospice that cared for him during childhood. Ben Everett, 20, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) – a genetic disorder characterised by progressive muscle degeneration – and was supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). Now an art student at City College Norwich, he plans to raise funds for EACH by selling artwork at the popular Café Bar Marzano, within The Forum. He has pieces on display and is donating 50% of sales to the charity, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia. “EACH helped and gave me an opportunity to meet other people with different conditions,” said Ben, who lives with his mum in Costessey. “I’ve been a student at City College Norwich for five years and am currently working on a Creative Short Courses (Level Three) course. “I’ve been focusing on print and photography and using photography as a way to cope with my condition. “I have an exhibition at Café Bar Marzano, where my artwork has been on display since 5th March, and want to donate 50% of sales to EACH.” Ben’s artwork will be on show until 9th April. It features both acrylic and foil transfer prints, including one combined with a screen print, and is based on a photo he took at Norwich Cathedral. Thomas Hill, a Sessional Lecturer and Learning Support Assistant at City College Norwich, said: “The college has been amazing at supporting Ben. “I’ve been his tutor for nearly two years and he’s such an inspiration. “Despite being limited because of his condition, he’s persisted in wanting to create artwork and he’s always so happy, regardless of what he may be going through.” Anyone unable to get to the exhibition but keen to buy a piece of artwork can email Thomas via [email protected] Images provided by EACH
