BUTTERFLIES representing dozens of lost loved ones have won an idyllic new scene to flutter across.

The supersize paintings of the local countryside were installed at Great Western Hospital yesterday – by the sister of inspirational Julie Basleigh, who last year lost her cancer fight.

Stuck over the images, which feature Badbury Clump, the Ridgeway and other landmarks, are around 80 pink and orange butterflies.

Each insect commemorates a lost relative or someone’s stay in hospital.

The fundraising scheme, which has so far raised £7,300 for hospital charity Brighter Futures, began in 2015 – around the same time as GWH launched their £2.9 million radiotherapy appeal.

To date, the butterflies have been hanging in a plain white display cabinet in an anonymous hospital corridor. 

The new acrylic paintings bring a splash of colour to hospital. 

They are the creation of artist Lisa Drew, who last year lost her sister Julie Basleigh to brain cancer.

Julie’s family handed over a cheque for £7,500 to the Brighter Futures radiotherapy appeal – a share of cash they hoped would pay for treatment to help mum-of-two Julie spend more time with her young family. 

Lisa, 46, said of the painting: “I really wanted to do something to make the wall look nice. The butterflies are a really nice idea. I wanted to encourage more people to say, ‘I want mine up there’.”

She said that Julie’s two young daughters often joined her in her studio. “I have a shed in my garden and they like to come and do some painting,” she said.

Catherine Newman, head of fundraising for Brighter Futures, said: “We thought it would be really nice to have the Wiltshire scenery – something everybody will recognise. It will just brighten the area and make the wall look really quite special. We hope this will encourage more people to get involved.”

Large butterflies are £300, medium-sized butterflies are £150 and small butterflies are £50. 

For more, visit: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk/donate/butterfly-wall.