Over £1,500 has been raised for MND Scotland through the exhibition and sale of more than 60 paintings by local amateur artist and Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association resident, June McCulloch.
June, who has lived at Craigview Sheltered Housing complex in Bo’ness for over 12 years, lost her husband to Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in the summer of 2000, only a few days after they celebrated their Ruby wedding anniversary. It was not until June’s eldest daughter gave her a large box of art supplies that Christmas, with the aim of keeping her busy, that she first began to paint.
“I watched a man on television paint and taught myself that way. I lost myself in iJune said. A year later she joined her local art club, Winchburgh Day Art Group, and never looked back!
Craigview residents and Hanover staff all helped in their own way to raise as much money as possible for MND Scotland, selling sausage rolls and nail manicures in the few days before the exhibition. Further donations are still coming in and as well as June’s artwork that was on sale over the weekend there was a tombola, raffle, and home baking, with many residents and staff contributing their time and resources.
June lives in a two-bedroom flat at the development in Bo’ness and uses her second bedroom as an art studio. In 2006 June was persuaded by Marian, Craigview’s Housing Manager, to enter UK based Housing Advice Charity, the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) over-60s Art Awards. Her painting, ‘Islands of Eigg and Rhum’, was selected as one of 100 finalists chosen from over 1,500 entries to be exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London.
Iain McWhirter, Head of Fundraising and Volunteering at MND Scotland, said “We cannot thank June enough for choosing to support MND Scotland at her exhibition. The event was a fantastic success and we are very grateful to Craigview for their support.
“The money raised will go towards helping us continue to support people, across Scotland, who are affected by MND, as well as fund vital research, to take us a step closer to finding a cure for this devastating illness.”
Speaking after the exhibition, June said: “I have been overwhelmed with all the support from everyone at Craigview, residents and staff, as well as from friends, family and those in the local community.
“I am so pleased we have been able to raise over £1,500 for a cause which is so dear to my family’s heart. When my daughter first gave me the box of art supplies I never dreamt that it would come to this. I feel very lucky to have the space and peace and quiet to paint, some days I look up and realise I’ve forgotten to have my lunch!”
The exhibition and sale of June’s artwork took place in Hanover’s Craigview Sheltered Housing Complex, Bo’ness on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September
