LOCAL artists have raised hundreds of pounds for the Royal Berkshire Hospital following an art exhibition.

Artists, Claire Gomm, Liz Mackereth and Elaine Govett raised £750 during an art exhibition held in the hospital just before Christmas and presented the cheque to Voluntary Services Manager Kirsten Rogers, last week.

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The donation will be used for projects that improve patient experience.

Ms Rogers was delighted to welcome the artists.

She said: “The Trust has had art exhibitions brightening its corridor walls for some years, with 25 per cent of sales going to the Voluntary Services Fund, part of the Royal Berks Charity.

“This is a fantastic donation and shows how much people enjoy the art on sale.

"We are very grateful to all our artists.

"We receive so many lovely comments about the exhibitions and they mean different things to different people; for some they bring comfort at a difficult time and for others they brighten what can be an anxious or worrying visit.

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"Over the course of this year, the exhibitions have raised nearly £2,000 and this all goes towards projects like helping to refurbish the Therapies garden, so everyone benefits.”

Artsist Claire added: "Exhibiting at the Royal Berks has been more rewarding than I could have ever expected.

"I was asked to take part but when it came to it I wasn't feeling too confident and it took some persuasion. "My overriding thought was that, even if I can't make money for the hospital, I could brighten up what can sometimes feel like a very clinical and stark space.

"I wasn’t prepared for how many lovely people I would meet along the way and how touching their stories would be.

"The majority of people, who have bought directly from the hospital, have told me a little about why they chose the pieces they did.

"There have been engagements, new homes, anniversaries and new births.

"There have also been really difficult times and losses.

"I have genuinely appreciated every one of these stories and shan't forget the people I've spoken to.

"It's been a complete privilege.”

Exhibitor Liz also commented that she had found the whole experience very humbling; with Elaine agreeing that it was “a brilliant opportunity to give back to a hospital that is always there for us".

The art exhibitions, which change every two months, feature a wide variety of artists, and run from eye block through central block and down to south block.