University students help raise more than £4,000 for Cardiff cancer charity

Third year students at the University of South Wales (USW) created ‘Inspirational’ pieces of art for Maggie’s Cardiff, a charity offering free support to people affected by cancer, raising more than £4,000.

Maggie’s, who are based at Velindre Cancer Centre, worked with the students as part of their Client Studies module, providing an opportunity for them to apply their illustration skills in a real-world context while contributing to the inspirational work that the charity does.

Themes

The students created 21 pieces of artwork in total, which were based on themes such as care, resilience, hope and strength, to reflect how Maggie’s support individuals and families to take back control when cancer turns their lives upside down.

Carney George, 23, from Caerphilly, created a piece of art called Journey as part of the project.

He said: “I was inspired by the story of the charity’s founder, Maggie Keswick Jencks, and her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer. I wanted to capture the journey of someone going through cancer; using flowers to symbolise growth and moving from darkness into light.

“I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out, and am so happy to be playing a small part in helping Maggie’s continue its amazing work. This has been a fantastic opportunity to work with a client and do something really meaningful at the same time.”

Meg Kingsbury, 21, from Cheltenham, created an illustration called Midsummer for the auction.

She said: “I was exploring ideas of family scenes and portraits, as well as symbols of healing, strength and power, and discovered that oak leaves and butterflies, and especially the colour yellow, all represent this idea.

“I wanted to make the piece uplifting; not sad or depressing, but vibrant and warm. I decided to use gold leaf to add the portrayal of the healing power and strength that is needed to beat cancer, and am so happy with the final result.

“It’s a great feeling to know that someone will have a piece of my work in their home, and will be reminded of Maggie’s fantastic mission every time they look at it.”

Enthusiasm

Benedict Pearce, Centre Fundraiser for Maggie’s Cardiff, said: “It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with the Illustration students at USW. This project celebrates their wonderful creativity to raise vital funds to support cancer care in our communities. This online auction will be a fantastic fundraiser to help provide emotional, psychological and practical support those affected by cancer in South East Wales.

“I have personally seen the enthusiasm among the students taking up this project, both during my guest lecture at the University and at their individual visits to the centre to chat to our visitors.

Being able to provide a space for them students to showcase the skills and tools that they’ve learnt, in a way that uplifts our centre, is truly magical and means so much to everyone who comes through our centre doors.”

Liam Barrett, lecturer in Illustration at USW, added: “Seeing our students applying their creative talents to support such a meaningful cause was an honour.

“Their contributions to the Maggie’s Cardiff auction highlighted not only their illustrative skill but also their dedication to making a positive impact on the community. Maggie’s work is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have supported them.”