Hemel teenager's artwork part of stunning virtual art gallery by Rays of Sunshine

The artwork of a Hemel Hempstead teenager is on display in a stunning virtual children's art gallery, thanks to Rays of Sunshine.

On Monday, March 1, the children's charity launched a stunning virtual children’s art gallery that displays bespoke artwork created by children who are all living with a serious or life-limiting illness.

Mary Prior-Mckenzie, 13, from Hemel Hempstead, suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and must take several medications daily. In 2020, Rays of Sunshine granted her greatest wish to spend the day on the Dancing on Ice set.

Her artwork ‘Skating with Rainbows’ will be displayed in the gallery and is inspired by her love of rainbows and ice skating.

Created alongside Moyosa Media, award winners in digital technology, the gallery aims to celebrate the magical bond between Rays of Sunshine and its beneficiaries, in addition to recognising the charity’s patrons and supporters.

Each child has depicted their own interpretation of the theme ‘sunshine, happiness and laughter’ and many of the pieces of art were created during group creative workshops with Rays of Sunshine.

Yuvan, 13 from Watford, is also having his artwork displayed. Yuvan suffers from Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and has endured chemotherapy treatment and bone marrow transplant.

In 2019, Rays of Sunshine granted his greatest wish to have his own Apple MacBook. His artwork ‘Memories of Universal Studios’ will be displayed in the gallery and is inspired by his favourite holiday to Universal Studios in Orlando.

Rays of Sunshine brightens the lives of seriously ill children across the UK by granting their wishes and providing ongoing support.

Lindsey Bennister, Chief Executive Officer of Rays of Sunshine, said: "We’re really excited to be launching the Rays of Sunshine Children’s Art Gallery filled with wonderful artwork by our beneficiaries.

"Every piece on display was created by a child living with a serious or life-limiting illness and the result is a collection of art as unique and inspiring as the children themselves.

"During the pandemic, Rays of Sunshine has been committed to continuing to support families across the UK, and provide joy and hope, and this gallery is no exception.

"Bringing together the children and families via virtual art sessions has resulted in some incredible pieces of art, which we are very proud to display.

"We’re incredibly grateful and thankful to everyone who made this possible, including our generous sponsors, Moyosa Media and, of course, all our very talented artists.”

The Rays of Sunshine Children’s Art Gallery is live here.