Youngsters ‘graduate’ from charity art course

The course, called Art in Action, took place at Millbrook Community Centre over six weeks and was organised by four kind-hearted Larne women in aid of CLIC Sargent, the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people.

Classes focused on a particular artist each week, using mediums such as paint, oil pastels and collage. Participants then used the techniques to make their own artwork, and at the end of the course there was an exhibition night to showcase all the work produced. The eight kids taking part also ‘graduated’ upon completion of the course.

The unique fundraiser was spearheaded by Emma Bodles, with help from her mum Elizabeth and pals Emma Brown and Emma Gault. The former art history student told the Times that the course provided “something different” for young people in the borough.

She added: “On behalf of the organisers of the Art in Action children’s art course we are delighted to announce that a total of £540 was raised for CLIC Sargent children’s cancer charity. Special thanks are owed to all those who supported us, including the owners and staff of Crafty Copy and Happy Days in Larne.

“Thanks also to Marian Kelso from the Larne Museum and Arts Centre and all the parents and guardians of the children who attended. The money raised will help support both children who are diagonised with cancer as well as their families.”

But the art course is just one aspect of Emma’s charity mission - she also aims to take part in a gruelling series of events dubbed Emma’s Belfast to Berlin Challenge, and has set herself a fundraising target of £1000.

The Larne woman plans to run a number of half marathons in Northern Ireland in the coming months, followed by the full Berlin Marathon at the end of September.

“I did the Lisburn half marathon last year and really enjoyed it, so I am really looking forward to challenging myself, “ she concluded.

Donations to Emma’s cause can be made online at www.justgiving.com/Emma-Bodles2