A REDDITCH based ex-serviceman turned artist is raising money to help fund his latest painting project – painting every single of the fallen in Afghanistan in the hopes of getting the portraits to their respected families.
He was originally using his own funds to complete the project but has turned to the public to seek help via a crowdfunding page.
Popular artist Kevin Wills from Oakenshaw has previously painted portraits of Captain Sir Thomas Moore, several of the England football team and a British soldier in Kabul.
He said: “I started painting the fallen in Afghanistan after painting a young royal marine, I read his story about what happened in Afghanistan and then sent the portrait to his family and the reaction was just overwhelming from them.
“I thought to myself how many more families would feel happy about having a portrait of their father, son, cousin or sister to remember them by.
“So I thought it maybe possible to do this and paint all 457 of the fallen.”
Kevin has painted 31 portraits however didn’t realise how long it would take to complete the project without any funding.
“Nigel Hancock another veteran got in touch with me and we worked together on a website and a crowd funding page to pay for the materials.
“Once I complete a portrait I frame it up and send to the family but this is proving very costly again so hence the crowd funding page, even if it’s just a couple of pounds it makes a real difference to hear these families reactions when they receive the portrait.
“And it’s my way of remembering the fallen and giving back to the military community and their families.
“I’m hoping one day I can look back at this knowing I got a portrait to every family of the fallen and that their memories shall live on and we will never forget.”
Visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-fallen-of-afghanistan to donate.
