Last chance to bid for lockdown work by Portsmouth artist My Dogs Sighs in aid of Queen Alexandra Hospital and NHS staff

Southsea artist My Dog Sighs has kicked off the campaign – run by The News – to raise money for the QA Hospital Heroes Thank You Appeal and today marks the start of a seven day eBay auction for the specially created artwork, titled Even Apart We Are Together.

The internationally-recognised artist, who is also well known for his artwork featuring lifelike eyes and faces painted on to tin cans, created his characteristic stickman 15 years ago to capture a childish naivety - and he has appeared all over the city and world.

He said: ‘I think it is important to support each other at a time like this and if I want do can bring a smile to people’s faces, and also raise money for people in our city who are working to save people’s lives, then that is amazing.’

Street artist Fark has also joined the campaign and a piece by him will be up for auction next week.

The appeal has already raised more than £36,000 and has meant treats for Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust staff.

Michelle Bowdidge, fundraising manager at Portsmouth Hospitals Charity, said: ‘Thank you to the artist My Dog Sighs for kindly donating the artwork to support Portsmouth Hospitals Charity. The money raised from the auction will support the QA Hospital Heroes Thank You Appeal.

‘So far we have provided boost boxes, containing refreshments and toiletries, across the hospital and a wellbeing room with massage chairs and refreshments. Staff across the Trust have suggested ideas and thanks to the generosity of the local community we are able to deliver on many of these.

‘A big thank you to everyone who bids on the artwork and to those who have already supported the appeal. Good luck and happy bidding!’

To bid on the artwork by My Dogs Sighs click on the Ebay link here. The auction ends at 8pm on Sunday May 31.

To donate to the appeal visit justgiving.com/campaign/QAhospitalheroes

Any artists wanting to get involved should send an email to [email protected]

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