AWARD winning local artist Ian Ridley is saying thank you for the cancer treatment he received by holding a fundraising exhibition of his work.
When he reached 60 back in 2015 a ‘Well Man’ health check-up arranged by his local GP discovered something suspicious which needed further investigation.
“They did a PSA test – prostate specific antigen – and it came out just marginally over the normal level,” said Ian, from Feckenham.
“The doctor sent it off to be checked and really I was so lucky because they caught it early – it’s much more difficult to treat if it’s spread.”
Ian opted for radiotherapy rather than surgery, undergoing 37 consecutive days of treatment – excepting weekends – so medics could rid his body of the cancerous cells.
“It was a pretty long haul but I have nothing but praise for the treatment and support I received both at Worcestershire Royal and the Alex,” said Ian.
Supported by his wife Sue he found that focusing on his art helped keep his mind off the treatment.
“When you are told you have cancer it’s a shock but you have to be positive and get on with things,” said Ian, a member of the Arts in Redditch group.
To say thank you, three years ago he organised an exhibition in Feckenham to raise money for cancer research and has continued to raise money for cancer charities through the sale of his book of prints and fine art postcards.
Now on the Worcestershire Survivorship Programme, next weekend, February 16-17, Ian is holding a new exhibition at Feckenham Village Hall featuring more than 60 original watercolours and acrylics.
From this he will be making a further donation this time for research into childrens cancer from sales.
The exhibition is open from 11am to 4pm on both days and examples of Ian’s work can be found on his website at www.ianridleywatercolours.co.uk .
