Students paint Disney mural in bedroom for baby who has never been home from hospital
Max has been in hospital since his birth. The one-year-old was diagnosed with a heart problem and hasn’t left the ward, but parents Hannah Bloomfield and Wayne Olivares haven’t left his side.
The couple purchased a new home but haven’t had time to decorate.
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Hide AdIn preparation for Max’s return home, the pair wanted to make sure that his room was ready.
Havant and South Downs College Fine Art course manager Mark Kellett said: ‘I received a note from Bob Bloomfield, Max’s grandad.
‘The family had been quoted hundreds of pounds for the room to be painted. I have young children myself and straight away I wanted to help.’
Mark approached his class and asked if any students would like to volunteer to paint Max’s room.
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Hide AdMark said: ‘I was astounded with the response. The students almost ripped my arms off!’
Saskia Meijer, Ellie White, Lucy Bradbury, Laura Pauley, Raven McKenzie-Jell and Katherine Lynch all dedicated their time, alongside Paul, to paint the mural.
Bob said: ‘I was taken aback by their generosity. They’re all so talented and have done a wonderful thing.
‘We’re just so grateful. They have no idea how much this means to Hannah and Wayne.’
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Hide AdMark added: ‘They tried to offer money and I said no. We were working away and then boxes upon boxes of Dominos Pizza turned up! The students were happy!’
Saskia, 16, said: ‘This is the first time I’ve painted a mural but I really wanted to do it.
‘It’s been a really good experience of what it would be like to be commissioned on a big piece of art and how it feels to work to a deadline.
‘We’re really glad that we got chosen to do the painting and I really hope they like it!’
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Hide AdAfter seeing the mural, Hannah said: ‘We wanted to make the room perfect and they have made that happen for us.
We are so over the moon. The girls and Mark have done a fantastic job, it looks absolutely amazing.
‘Max had a heart operation today. We are just hoping he makes it home to his bedroom where he belongs.’