A BRIDPORT artist has put her talent into action to raise money for a cancer charity.

Rowena Hampton, who now lives at Bowes Lyon Court in Poundbury, has had more time to focus on her lifelong passion of art since making the move from her native Bridport.

A keen artist throughout her entire life, Rowena, 78, specialises in pastel portrait paintings, including pets, and is now using her talent to support a charity which is close to her heart, GO Girls. Rowena has donated one of her paintings to a silent auction at Rymer’s Rally on Sunday (4) to raise funds for the charity which supports women with gynaecological cancers.

Rowena said: “I wanted to do something for women who suffer from gynaecological cancers.

"For much of my early life, I struggled with gynaecological problems, and whilst I’ve never had a gynaecological cancer, it’s great to see a group as active as the GO Girls supporting these women, so why would I not want to do this?”

Staff at Bowes Lyon Court have also recognised Rowena’s passion and to help her creativity flourish have given her use of the light and spacious library room to paint, and to keep her easel. Art classes are held at the development for homeowners once a fortnight, which Rowena regularly attends and enjoys passing on her knowledge and guidance to fellow homeowners.

Later this year, Rowena also hopes to run an art afternoon for the GO Girls – to introduce them to new skills in a medium they may not have used before.

Hilary Maxwell, chairman of GO Girls and gynae-oncology clinical nurse specialist at Dorset County Hospital, said: “Art has been a great therapy for many of our GO Girls, so it’s very special to be given a painting to auction.

"Our girls find art very calming – often when treatments are tough going, art has been a great outlet – whether to admire or just have a dabble, so this is a real treat to know that the sale of this painting will go towards helping to support our campaign to raise £25,000 towards our counselling suite for the Cancer Appeal.”

In addition, staff and neighbours asked Rowena to paint a portrait of Bowes Lyon Court duty manager, Jasmine Pearson, as a surprise wedding present. Rowena had just one small photo of Jasmine to create the painting, which she spent more than 10 hours working on.

To support the GO Girls! please visit its Just Giving page at justgiving.com/fundraising/just10GOGirls