A LOCAL artist is to put her talents to philanthropic use later this year as she opens an exhibition for Brighter Futures.

Jane Howarth, 45, from North Swindon, is a self-taught freelance artist who nine years ago was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and had to take a course of chemotherapy.

She did not require radiotherapy, but says that she felt so ill following her treatment that she doesn’t know how people can possibly face radiotherapy and the daily journey to Oxford.

Since beating cancer Jane and her partner decided to change their lives and focus on their passions.

She is holding a four-month exhibition at the Great Western Hospital in October and will donate a percentage of the proceeds of her sales to the radiotherapy appeal.

Jane said: “All these poor people are having to travel to all the way to Oxford for treatment. I was lucky that I didn’t have to do that, but there are so many that do.”

Jane’s exhibition, which involves acrylic paints on canvases large and small, will be on display until February and she is encouraging as many people as possible to come along to see it.

She said: “When I was receiving treatment, I picked up a paint brush for the first time since I was at school. That was nine years ago now and I haven’t stopped painting since.

“The paintings are mostly landscapes, but with some urban pieces in there too. I like to paint powerful skies and the urban pieces seem to be the most popular.

“I’m really looking forward to the exhibition. More than anything, I’m just happy that I have an opportunity to do something to raise cash for Brighter Futures because it gives me extra motivation to do some really good paintings.”

Jane does all her work from her studio at her North Swindon home and anticipates that she could spend around one or two weeks on each painting, depending on the size - and there’s a big space to fill at the GWH.

So far £1,601,306 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wishes to thank everyone for their support.

To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form or log on to: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.