Artist creates storybook and mural to raise money for new paediatric oncology unit at Croydon Hospital

An artist has created a children’s storybook and mural to raise money for new NHS care.

Author and illustrator Andy Stonehouse and The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust created Lily’s Lockdown Birthday, a touching new children’s story book that is sure to delight readers of all ages.

Told from the perspective of a four-year-old girl, this is the poignant story of one family’s experiences living through lockdown – finding joy and making special memories during hard times.

The book also highlights and applauds the contribution of front line NHS staff, key workers and carers throughout the Covid-19 crisis.

Working with charity partner The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust, Mr Stonehouse will be donating proceeds from his book to The Lily Pad Appeal – raising £750,000 to create a new paediatric oncology unit at Croydon University Hospital.

The development project is due to be completed in 2021, bringing state-of-the-art facilities to the children of Croydon.

Mr Stonehouse has also recently brought the corridors of the children’s paediatric hospital alive with the creation of a sensational new mural raising awareness about the appeal and enlivening the spaces for patients, visitors and staff alike.

He said: “In creating the book, I wanted to raise funds for the NHS in some way.

“When I heard about The Lily Pad Appeal, and the work of Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust, it seemed like a perfect fit.

“The invitation to paint my characters on the hospital walls was such an honour – I’m so happy to be able to leave that legacy creatively while making a contribution to such a worthy cause.”

Pictured top: Andy Stonehouse with the new book and, inset, his mural