Readers help out Laura Roberts to get her Help for Heroes painting to Wiltshire

Dec 16 2010 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

A YOUNG artist whose dream was to auction off one of her works in aid of the charity Help for Heroes has been helped by a kind Weekly News reader.

Laura Roberts’ painting was so big she needed help to pay for a courier to take it to Wiltshire where the charity is based, and it would have cost over £200 to get it there.

Laura is a student and so could not afford it.

The 22-year-old, from Llandudno Junction, is currently studying at the University of the Arts London, in Camberwell. She is in her third year, studying BA Honours Painting.

Laura said: “The painting depicts my cousin Joe Jones.

“At the time he was in Afghanistan and my entire family was obviously very distressed.

“I usually paint subjects that are close to me, I like to feel as though I can put my own emotion into my work.

“I made the painting in three sections beginning with Joe, as a small boy at home in the Welsh mountains playing.

“I really wanted to draw attention to the fact that Joe, like all the other soldiers, was once just an innocent child and is someone’s son.”

The response to Laura’s story was immediate. In all, her family received seven offers of help to transport the painting to Wiltshire.

Her mum Julie, who lives in Llandudno Junction, said: “I am pleased to say it was taken to Wiltshire last Monday.

“I had seven phone calls all offering to help in some way to get it there. One lady who was a pensioner and who wanted to remain anonymous donated £200 in memory of her husband.

“But we chose the first person who offered to help to take the painting.

“Help for Heroes were extremely pleased with the generous donation, and are debating whether to hang the painting in their office or send it to auction.

“I think the Weekly News story touched many people's hearts.”

Martin Blanchard, who owns Home Cooking in Llandudno, wanted to help as soon as he read the story in the Weekly News.

He explained: “I just felt the need to do something to help because of the charity. I’ve got a van and can get time off when I want.”