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.

In preparation for Max’s return home, the pair wanted to make sure that his room was ready.

Havant and South Downs College students

Saskia Meijer, Mark Kellett, Fine Art A-level tutor at South Downs, Eleanor White, Lucy Bradbury and Bob Bloomfield, Max's great grandfather — Havant and South Downs College students Saskia Meijer, Mark Kellett, Fine Art A-level tutor at South Downs, Eleanor White, Lucy Bradbury and Bob Bloomfield, Max's great grandfather

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.

Mark said: ‘I was astounded with the response. The students almost ripped my arms off!’

Max Olivares with his parents Hannah Bloomfield and Wayne Olivares

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.’

Mark 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!’

After 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.’