Pfter her husband John died in November 2021, Joanne Freeman raised more than £8,000 for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger, Bedfordshire, by auctioning off his incredible artwork in honour of his memory.

John and Joanne wanted to show their thanks to the hospice’s nurses and staff and had discussed the idea of an art auction to raise vital funds:

“My late husband John was so grateful to the hospice staff. They looked after him with such care and kindness in his final days – and showed me so much compassion and support throughout. I know he was keen to see the proceeds of his artwork go to supporting the team there,” Joanne said.

John was a self-taught but accomplished artist, painting beautiful watercolours of stunning views across his local area and beyond – especially on holidays to Norfolk, Devon and France. Over the years, he would hold exhibitions to sell his paintings as well as showcase his art in galleries across the region – with many people praising him on how talented he was.

In addition to the art auction, which was held at the Scrum Bar at Bedford Blues Rugby Ground, Goldington Road on Saturday 18th June, Joanne’s family, friends, and local community came together to donate prizes for the raffle, including a luxury pamper day with a haircut and spa treatment, and a voucher for a dining experience at the stunning Paris House.
Speaking about the event, Joanne said:

“All the paintings sold and for sums far beyond what I imagined. I am so grateful to everyone who helped out and attended on the day and also to those who couldn’t make it in person but supported us from afar.”

The day exceeded Joanne’s expectations significantly. The auction and raffle raised an astonishing £8,325 for St John’s Hospice – smashing her initial target of £1,000:

“This is an incredible sum of money that will hopefully help the nurses perform their vital work and care for those who so desperately need it. It isn’t just those who are ill that receive support, but their family members and loved ones too.”
“John is the one person who we do need to thank, as without his talent there would have been no art auction.”

Nick Burr, Community Fundraiser at St John’s Hospice, added:

“I think this event was really special. John’s legacy will now live on in his paintings that many of his loved ones have purchased. Sue Ryder hospices rely heavily on donations from the public to allow us to continue our work, and we are so grateful for Jo’s support.”

For more information on Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice visit www.sueryder.org/stjohns