How Banksy helped St Oswald's Hospice in Newcastle's revamp

St Oswald’s Hospice, based in Newcastle, has been helping those with life-limiting conditions across the North East for over 35 years.

And the charity’s Children and Young Adults service, which provides short breaks for families of youngsters in need of respite has just been given a major overhaul, in part thanks to Banksy.

Read more: Darlington man fined over £1k for assaulting emergency worker

A transformation of the charity’s kitchen was made possible after the sale of the enigmatic graffiti artist’s work ‘Game Changer’.

Banksy's 'Game Changer' which sold at auction in March 2021. (Image: PA)

In March 2021 it sold for a then-record £14.4m (£16.7m including fees) when it went under the hammer.

The painting was gifted to Southampton Hospitals Charity in May 2020 at the height of the pandemic and funds are being distributed nationwide to benefit local providers.

Meanwhile Newcastle-based building firm National Building & Maintenance Solutions (NBMS) also gifted money for the revamp, which is hoped will provide a more uplighting and easier-to-use place for families.

Staff and families and St Oswald's enjoying the new kitchen - in part funded by Banksy. (Image: PR)

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Holly Smith, Acting Matron of Children and Young Adults Services at St Oswald’s Hospice, said: "The new kitchen is a fantastic addition to the Children and Young Adults Service. It provides a safe and modern environment for our children, young adults, families, staff and volunteers to use. They can enjoy activities such as cooking and baking, while the media wall and lighting provide added interactive and sensory experiences.

“The generosity of Banksy and Southampton Hospitals Charity to fund the kitchen, and the incredible finishing touches provided by NBMS will make a huge impact on our service and our ability to provide quality care for everyone.

Ray Dees, Director of NBMS, said: “As a family company, our staff couldn’t help but be moved by the incredible work at St Oswald’s, so it was our pleasure to gift something special to the brave children who use the service.”