LEFTOVER pieces of life-saving hospital equipment have been transformed into works of art that look good enough to eat.

Artist Sarah Robson, who receives food intravenously due to a serious illness, created the works of art during her lengthy stays in hospital using pieces of equipment left over from her life-saving therapy.

She said she found creating the artwork therapeutic and provided her with a creative outlet for her thoughts and feelings during a difficult time.

She has showcased her art at Houndgate Townhouse, in Darlington, as part of an awareness week hosted by the charity Patients on Intravenous and Nasogastric Nutrition Therapy (PINNT).

“It started with making flowers out of the little cups you get your tablets in but turned into a bit of a collecting obsession,” she added.

“This led to me planning an art exhibition of the items I have made, with a view to promoting awareness of people living with total parenteral nutrition and the support that PINNT provides people like myself on how to live as normal a live as possible.”

Some of her works include meringues made from paper cups, cupcakes made from cotton wool and wraps filled with vials.

Carolyn Wheatley, the charity’s chair, said: “This event will give us the opportunity of showcasing the fabulous artwork that Sarah has created from the many ‘throw-away’ items such as port protectors, caps from vials, bottle tops etc that those receiving home artificial nutrition are left with following their daily treatment.

“We wanted to celebrate the positive side of people living with these hidden illnesses and using these hidden, live-saving treatments and how people can go on to live full, and rewarding lives in spite of the difficulties they face on a daily basis.”

For information visit pinnt.com