YOUNG artists are set to breathe life into a hospital ward by helping to brighten up the walls for respiratory patients.
Pupils at Gurney Pease Academy have been commissioned to produce bespoke works of art for Ward 44 at Darlington Memorial after being approached by the local support group Breathe Easy.
Gurney Pease Academy higher level teaching assistant Linda Cernik said: “We were asked to produce some colourful artwork for Ward 44’s empty walls to help cheer up patients on their hospital visits.
“The school really took the idea on board and launched the idea of a competition for all pupils in Key Stage 2 to design a collage using the themes under the water and up in the air, which both have links to lungs and breathing.
“Pupils have also been learning about the function of the lungs and how to keep them healthy. They have been taking part in a mini air Olympics where they can actually see and feel the importance of having healthy lungs to be able to take part in sport.”
The Darlington Breathe Easy Support Group is backed by the British Lung Foundation and supports people living with lung conditions.
Chairman Gaynor Williams said: “A lot of our members visit Ward 44 for their respiratory treatment.
“Ward manager Peter Duffy asked me if I could come up with any ideas for some artwork to brighten up the place and I was delighted when Gurney Pease Academy said that they would help.
“Not only have they taken the art competition on board they have also looked at respiratory across their science and PE curriculum which is absolutely fantastic.”
Six works of art will be chosen by Darlington Mayor Brian Jones and members of the Breathe Easy committee.
Mr Duffy added: “These images will make such a difference to the lives of staff and patients. The ward is very plain and it will be lovely to have such a splash of colour.”