21
Mar
Knaresborough postie raises money for medics who saved his life – by drawing people's homes
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A Knaresborough postman is raising funds for the hospital that saved his life – by drawing the houses on his round.
Four years ago, Andrew Welch woke up in agonising pain and was rushed to hospital with a mystery condition. Doctors found he had a fractured vertebra and a raging infection, and he underwent life-saving surgery at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI).
He said:
It was a really scary time, and it took a very long time to get well again. I'm so grateful for the expertise of the medical team.
The following year was, he says, a “write-off”, but he was eventually allowed back to work on light duties.
It was then that he started trying to do something to thank the medical staff who had saved him, by raising funds for the neurosciences department at the LGI.
Before he was a postman, Andrew was an architectural draughtsman, and he is a talented artist. So he now offers to draw people’s houses, in return for a suggested donation of £100.
Andrew, who still has a metal plate in his neck, has completed around 20 pen-and-ink drawings so far, his most recent for Adrian Smith, who lives on his round.
Mr Smith said:
We received his drawing yesterday and we’re delighted with it. Andrew has an incredible talent, and this is a really good cause.
Andrew's drawing of Adrian's house.
Outside the house in the picture: Andrew and Adrian.
Through his drawings and other donations, Andrew has raised more than £1,800, but he says he’s chasing a moving target.
I have a figure in mind, but as with any project, it changes as you go along. I started out with a target of £1,000, but I’m past that now, so £2,000 is the target now. But I’m nearly there, so maybe £3,000 will be my next one.
But he says he probably won’t be able to raise funds this way forever:
I’m 62 and I’m contemplating the day I retire, because it’s a very physical job. So I might have to stop raising funds with my drawings when that day comes, because I’ll need to draw to supplement my income.
Anyone wanting to commission Andrew before he retires should email him at dracpandy@gmail.com. To make a donation to his fundraising total, go here.
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