A former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain turned artist has joined a campaign to raise funds for a suicide prevention charity.
Jody Craddock, who has his studio based in Kidderminster, has teamed up with 150 other artists and celebrities including Joe Lycett and Leigh Francis to fundraise for a Samaritans branch in Hertfordshire under the ‘Samarivans’ campaign.
The fundraiser, which was created by fellow artist Sarah Graham, involved each participant being asked to put their own spin on a basic campervan stencil to help raise awareness of the services provided by the charity nationwide.
The ex-Wolves legend previously auctioned off an oil painting to raise funds for the Lea Castle Farm Quarry Action Group.
The ex-footballer, who made 237 appearances for Wolves over ten years, said: “‘Looking after our mental health is just as important as our physical health, although sometimes it can be overlooked.
“Samaritans is often a lifeline to so many individuals and provides invaluable support at moments of crisis. When I had the chance to support an amazing charity and combine it with my love of art and campervans, it was a resounding ‘yes please’.”
Mr Craddock’s design is called ‘Party Bus’ and is a one-off piece that will be auctioned online along with the other campervan drawings, including one by Stourbridge artist Chris Oxenbury, on Friday, September 22.
All money raised from the sale will provide funds for the North Herts and Stevenage Samaritans so the volunteers can continue their outreach work in the community.
Director of North Herts and Stevenage Samaritans Ilsa Hawtin said: “We are so grateful to Jody for contributing to the Samarivans project. People in all different parts of the country are finding things tough right now and we are hoping this campaign will help everyone remember that Samaritans is there for them in times of crisis.
“Jody’s Samarivan is wonderful, and I’m sure his many fans will be itching to bid for it. What an opportunity to own an incredible, one-off artwork while supporting a good cause.”
For more information and to make a bid visit www.sarahgraham.info/samarivans
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