A stunning image captured by an amateur photographer from Golcar appeared in a charity auction alongside other pictures by top celebrities.
Mark Noblet’s print of an angry sky in the Lake District featured alongside pictures by famous photographer Rankin and celebrities including John Hurt and Robbie Williams.
The Stars on Canvas auction raised more than £76,000 for Willow, a national charity which provides special days to seriously-ill young adults.
Mark took the photograph on his own Willow special day. Mark and wife Alison had a weekend in the Lake District after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The trip in August came between Mark’s regular treatments and hospital stays providing a much needed break.
Stars on Canvas featured one-off artwork by more than 300 stars including singers Annie Lennox, Kylie Minogue and Will.i.am and sportsmen Mo Farah, Damon Hill and Steven Gerrard.
Willow funds and organises up to 1,000 special days every year for those living with life-threatening conditions such as cancer, motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy and organ failure.
Mark said: “It was wonderful for Alison and me to be able to enjoy a weekend of total relaxation at a time when other things tend to dominate your thoughts.
“When I returned I was delighted the charity wanted to use my photograph – and to be exhibited next to Rankin was incredible.”
Mark’s canvas raised £71 and Willow’s founder, former Arsenal goalkeeper and TV presenter Bob Wilson, said: “It was really important for us to have Mark’s print featured in the Stars on Canvas collection, not simply because it’s a stunning image that sold well, but also because it brings the whole thing back to special days which is why we do it.
“It means a great deal to us that we were able to support Mark at a time when he needed it most. And now he’s supporting Willow in return.”
For more information about Willow visit www.willowfoundation.org.uk
