Inmates donate work of art to hospice

Would-be welders at a Doncaster prison have used their new skills to create a stunning piece of artwork for our Balby hospice.

Inmates at Hatfield prison have donated the metal work, which is made up of bulrushes and dragonflies, to St John’s Hospice for its new look patient garden.

The donation came after Paul Newbury, of Novus, the prison’s education provider, became aware of the garden project when his mum-in-law Monica Christine Donkin passed away in the hospice from cancer.

Paul said: “When I saw the hospice’s logo of a dragonfly all over it gave me the idea of creating the metalwork with the inmates. I spoke to the prison governor who gave the go-ahead. All of the prisoners were happy to be involved in creating the art work as they have all suffered bereavement.”

Lindsey Richards, from our hospice, said: “What a fantastic piece of work this is. I want to thank everyone who has helped to make this and I know our patients will love it. It’s amazing”

Pictured with the dragonfly and bulrush metal work is Lindsey Richards, of the hospice (left), together with Paul Newbury of Novus.