TWO Swindon artists have thrown their talents behind an appeal to help children with a rare medical condition.

Maurice Giraffe and Mike York have donated works to Alan Holmes of Holmes Music in Faringdon Road, who has raised more than £50,000 for Goldenhar Family Support Group.

The group offers information and support for people with Goldenhar Syndrome, a bone condition which affects the face and sometimes the vertebrae.

There are just 75 sufferers in the UK, one of whom is Mr Holmes’ grandson, six-year-old Pride of Swindon Award winner Morgan Sharpe.

Mr Holmes said: “I’m hoping for suggestions about what to do now, to make sure we raise as much money as possible.”

Mike York is a highly-regarded fine artist who has donated monochrome paintings of Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. The 20th anniversary of the Nirvana frontman’s death was on Saturday.

Maurice Giraffe is the pseudonym of Julian Crook, an artist and engineer best known for his drawings of ancient sites such as Stonehenge, Avebury and Silbury Hill, and for his collaborations with his late father, historian and author Eric M Crook.

He said: “The pieces that I donated were part of Arcane Experience, an exhibition I did with my father in Swindon.

“I felt it would he fitting to give them to such an excellent cause. The first thing I thought when I heard about it was how wonderful the appeal was.

“I feel very privileged that I’m one of the people – one among many – who are helping this charity to grow.”

Mr Holmes said Mr Crook was a customer, and added: “He said he had a painting he would like to donate and I said, ‘Great.’ Then a few days ago he asked if I would like to go to his home and collect some more.

“I was overwhelmed, really. I really want somebody to perhaps help me do something with all the pieces, to help the charity.

“That’s what it’s all about.”

Mr Holmes can be contacted at the shop on 01793 534095.