Brain injury survivor Tony Blackwell will be exhibiting 65 of his own paintings at Newmarket Library in December to raise funds for art equipment at Moulton Primary School.
The 40-year-old father of four from Gazeley, who has memory difficulties after a road traffic accident while driving home from work in 1999, has found a passion and skill for art since his injury.
He has chosen to donate the proceeds from the exhibition to the school, where his sons Hayden, seven, and Elliott, five, attend to nurture and involve children in art at a young age.
Tony, who is married to Sharon and also has an 18-year-old son Toby and 16-month-old daughter Jessica, who he delivered at home, has attended brain injury charity Headway Suffolk’s rehabilitation hub in Bury St Edmunds for a year.
“Headway gives me the space, time and my own room to be able to concentrate on painting,” said Tony, who has steadily built up his impressive catalogue of canvasses.
“Apart from my family, painting gives me my only joy and pleasure,” added Tony.
A number of Tony’s canvas paintings, as well as other clients’ work, adorn the walls of Headway’s Bury hub, including a counselling room to emit tranquillity.
Tony previously had an art exhibition at Newmarket Library 15 years ago after learning the basics of pencil drawing at Foley House while in a wheelchair as he recovered from his accident.
Headway Suffolk supports 250 people a week who have an acquired brain injury or neurological condition with rehabilitation and therapy at its hubs, in the community and at home. More information at: www.headwaysuffolk.org.uk.