Artist Willie’s generous gift to St Catherine’s

A painting which depicts a beautiful day break over the Scottish Isle of Skye has been donated to St Catherine’s Hospice where it can be enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors.

Willie Fulton, a painter based on the Island of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, has shared the piece of art with the hospice in the hope that it will offer a moment of solace or reflection for those who come into contact with it.

Willie is a friend of St Catherine’s Chief Executive Stephen Greenhalgh, who spends his holidays in Scotland and has long been an admirer of Willie’s work.

Willie said he was delighted to donate the painting to St Catherine’s.

He said: “If the painting can provide someone, somewhere, with a little solace, or a moment of reflection at a particularly poignant time, then I am very happy indeed.

“My work can seem rather simple, but at the same complex. I think that could mirror the situation that many find themselves in at the hospice – on the one hand feelings are stripped down to the basics and what is truly important, but on the other hand there are lots of different things happening at the same time which play a part and have an impact.

“I often paint moonscapes but this image of day break seemed to be the ideal choice to give to St Catherine’s. Not only are the colours brighter and more uplifting, there is also the symbolism of another new day beginning and all the potential it holds. I know that St Catherine’s and hospice care is all about promoting quality of life and making the most of every day, so I hope this painting chimes well with that ethos and all that hospices stand for.”

Stephen Greenhalgh, Chief Executive of St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “Willie is a highly talented, good-hearted man who we have got to know through years’ of visits to the magical island of Harris. His work has been an inspiration to countless numbers of people who visit or live in the Hebrides.

“I felt deeply humbled when Willie generously offered ‘First Light’ to St Catherine’s and privileged to receive his inspiring work that I am certain will be uplifting to thousands of patients and visitors for years to come. I am also grateful to our maintenance team who have hung the painting so expertly in our main entrance foyer.”

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