Painting of Covid couple's final moments being sold for the NHS

Pat and Ron Wood spent their last days hand in hand after being diagnosed with Covid-19

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 5th Feb 2021

An image showing an elderly couple spending their last days holding hands in hospital after contracting Covid-19, is to raise funds for the NHS.

91-year-old Pat Wood and 94-year-old Ron Wood from West Sussex, who had spent 71 years together, had been admitted into Worthing Hospital a few days apart with Covid 19 last year and were originally nursed separately.

After realising the couple’s health situation, the kind nursing staff moved their beds together so they could hold hands.

Pat sadly died in her sleep and Ron died five days later.

Ron and Pat Wood were allowed to spend their final days together after more than 70 years of marriage

A photograph of the pair taken by Pat and Ron's granddaughter Hayley Evans - titled 'Forever Holding Hands' - formed part of the National Portrait Gallery's Hold Still exhibition.

It was was one of the 100 final images selected by the judges, after more than 31,000 were submitted last year.

Now Hayley has commissioned Worthing artists Stella and Gem Stevens to recreate the photo in the colourful style, depicting the fun side of her much missed grandparents.

The artists chose to paint the image for free and use it to raise funds for NHS Charities Together, to say thanks to those who care for them in their last few days.

Hayley said:

“We were so lucky that we could Facetime my grandparents when they were in hospital and they said how comforting it was to see us.

"However we know many people are not able to and feel so isolated.

"Some of the donations to the Appeal will go towards the purchase of electronic tablets which will help others less fortunate.

"I saw my grandparents once in hospital, which is when I took the photograph through a visor. It was the last time I ever saw them."

'Holding Hands Together' was one of 100 images featured in a National Potrait Gallery exhibition about the pandemic

NHS Charities Together will also use some of the funds to provide bereavement support for families who lost loved ones; and counselling for staff to protect their mental health.

A print of the original art will be given to Hayley, with the original - which they framed in a platinum colour to represent the couple’s recent platinum wedding anniversary, being presented to Worthing Hospital where Ron and Pat were cared for.

Worthing-based Stella and Gem Evans painted the work for free after hearing Hayley's story

Hayley said:

“The photo depicts my grandparents' love for each other right up to the end.

"To think it will lead indirectly to bringing comfort and support to others through the fundraising appeal is more than my family and I could ever hope for.”

The artists want the image to pay tribute not only to the couple who lost their lives but to the 100,000 plus lives that have been lost due to covid 19.

You can donate to the appeal by visiting the Collection Pot website.

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