Fareham teenager spends hours on colourful driveway tribute to thank NHS staff for her medical care

Lily Bond has spent more than 50 hours working on an unfinished piece of artwork on her driveway with help from her mum Mary.

The 16-year-old, who has autism, recently spent a long time in hospital with a seizure disorder, including time in intensive care, before coming home in February.

She is currently shielded and wanted to use some of her time to lead a tribute to medical staff who cared for her during her hospital stay, as well as thanking them for their work now in saving many others.

Lily, who is home educated, said: ‘I spent 52 days in hospital - 25 days in intensive care. The doctors and nurses are brilliant and really looked after me.

‘I have already been in lockdown since February and have to shield for another 11 weeks. It is really hard not going out.

‘I wanted to paint the drive to say thank you to the NHS. It has taken me six weeks so far and it is still not finished.’

The large, colourful tribute has kept the teenager busy while she is unable to leave home, and it has taken multiple layers of acrylic paints to achieve the desired effect.

Bright bricks of green, yellow, blue, orange, pink and purple are now almost covering the long driveway thanks to the efforts of the mother and daughter duo.

Proud dad Ben, who is a headteacher, said: ‘We have seen a bit of an insight into what intensive care looks like unfortunately.

‘The driveway is a little project her and her mum decided to put together, it keeps them going – she has always been into the rainbow flag.

‘I’m really proud of her. It’s very striking so anyone who comes up recognises the troubles she has faced. She’s got a lot of strength about her.’

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