Local MP Alan Mak has praised an ‘inspirational’ local artist who has produced artwork for NHS hospitals and care homes during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Karina Vaile, from Warblington, a commissioned artist, has been spending her time during the lockdown to produce free canvas paintings for various hospitals and Care homes in the area, including QA, Frimley Park, Belmont and Three Oaks.
This is despite Karina having an incurable neurological and muscle wasting condition called Charcot Marie Tooth disease which affects 1 in 25,000 people. Karina refused to let the condition get to her and has worked long hours to produce the artwork – even while suffering pain and being able to paint using only her teeth.
Throughout the lockdown, Karina was helped by her daughter Tilly and son Jacob, both recognised young carers, meanwhile eldest daughter Kiann who also suffers from Charcot Marie Tooth disease has helped with dropping the paintings off to the care homes and hospitals.
Local MP Alan Mak recently visited the family at their home in Warblington to see the work first-hand and to thank them for their contributions to the NHS.
He said: “Karina is an absolute inspiration for overcoming her rare disease to produce these beautiful pieces of artwork for the NHS and local care homes. I know that they have been really well received and during this difficult time they will brighten the day of hard-working staff and patients.
“The artwork produced by Karina is just one extraordinary example of the support and gratitude that local residents are giving to our NHS during this difficult time. On behalf of everyone in the constituency I would like to thank all our doctors, nurses, carers and other key workers for their continued dedication throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.”
Karina added: “I was delighted to show Alan some of the pieces of artwork that I have been creating for the NHS and care homes. It is wonderful to be able to show my support for the NHS and I hope to continue to produce more paintings for the NHS in the future.”
You can see more of the artwork produced by Karina by visiting www.kvaile.co.uk
Picture: Alan Mak MP with Karina Vaile and her daughter Tilly at their home in Warblington
