University of South Wales students raise more than £4,000 for Cardiff cancer charity

A group of University of South Wales students have raised over £4,000 for a Cardiff cancer charity.

Creative third-year, illustration students from the institution have helped raise the money for Maggie’s Cardiff, a charity providing support to those affected by cancer in South Wales.

The students created 21 pieces of art, based on themes such as care, resilience, hope and strength, which they then auctioned off, applying their artistic skills in a real-life scenario, all whilst contributing to a great cause.

The charity, which is based at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, worked with the students as part of their client studies module. The students’ work reflects the support Maggie’s has given to individuals and families to take back control when cancer turns their lives upside down.

Carney George, 23, from Caerphilly, designed a piece called Journey for the project. On his art piece, Carnes 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.”

The imaginative minds of these students resulted in the making of a collection of meaningful art pieces, which raised thousands of pounds through the auctions.

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Another student, Meg Kingsbury, 21, created a piece called Midsummer for the auction. Talking about her work, she explained: “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.

Meg added that it was a “great feeling” to know someone will have her art in their home and that they’ll “be reminded of Maggie’s fantastic mission every time they look at it.”

Benedict Pearce, Centre Fundraiser for Maggie’s Cardiff spoke about the students’ fundraising, saying: “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.”

“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.”

USW illustration lecturer Liam Barrett also 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.”

Feature image credit: University of South Wales