Cancer patient raising cash for the Christie with art (From Messenger Newspapers)

Sale woman Pat Wilkinson shows art at show for hospital initiative

12:30pm Friday 27th May 2011 in News

A CANCER patient from Sale is hoping her artwork on display at this year’s Chorlton Arts Festival will help raise funds for The Christie.

Pat Wilkinson, 46, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and has undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The former Education and Community Administrator for the Professional Footballers’ Association continues to have treatment at the leading cancer centre.

Since her diagnosis Pat has also been attending art and craft sessions run by The Christie. “The art classes have really helped take my mind off what I’m going through. Cancer and cancer treatment can be so destructive, but art is something you can do to counteract that - it helps you get lost in a different world.

“When we were asked if we wanted to produce some artwork for this year’s Chorlton festival I jumped at the opportunity.”

Pat feels she is still exploring her artistic boundaries and likes to try a variety of media and subjects but this particular collection, which is available to purchase, focuses on people and animals and includes a portrait of actress Natalie Portman.

Her work is being exhibited at the Beech Inn on Beech Road in Chorlton and money raised from sales will go towards paying for extra art classes at The Christie.

Pat added; “I really hope that my work catches someone’s eye, as art classes here really help people going through difficult times.”

The week-long arts festival, now in its 11th year, runs until May 30.