Earlier this year, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals launched the Portrait Competition, a national competition where heroes of the NHS are chosen to have their portrait painted by a local artist.
Artist Peter Bourne contacted the Trust about Artdex, an organisation who wanted to give back to those working on the frontlines of Covid-19 for their service. Peter not only agreed to paint the winner, but also agreed to sketch every person who was nominated – a generous gesture for his local NHS.
The portraits then go on display at an exhibition in London and the winner is given a copy of their portrait to keep.
19 entries were received in total, and the deciding vote was made by the hospital’s Governors, who chose Alan Howson as their winner. Alan had his portrait painted and it was kept a surprise until a special event on Monday10th August.
Alison Oliver, Project Manager in Workforce and Education at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“A huge congratulations goes to Alan who is admired by his colleagues and is a real inspiration! What a feeling to know your team looks up to you in such a lovely way. We have really enjoyed running this competition to encourage staff to highlight the fantastic work their colleagues are doing and thank them for their support, and we hope it’s something we can continue in the future. Our gratitude goes to everyone who put a nominee forward, and of course to the wonderful artist Peter Bourne for not only working with us but going the extra mile to sketch the portraits of all of the other nominees, too.”
Alan, who is a Facilities and Services Night Support Manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I feel very honoured to be chosen, thank you Jamesfor nominating me. We work together as a great team and I accept this on their behalf. Thank you to the Governors who most have had an odious task of choosing a winner”.
Anneen Carlisle, Ward Manager and Staff Governor at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“It was a pleasure to look through the nominees and choose Alan as our winner. All of the nominees were so deserving, and the kind words submitted by their colleagues were so touching to see. They are all heroes, and we are delighted that, thanks to Peter’s generosity, all of the nominees will have their portraits sketched and get to have a keepsake to enjoy for a long time to come.”
All of the nominees have received a copy of their nomination, all of which were very moving to read.
