Dumfries and Galloway dad, Leo Clarke, wore his art on his sleeve when he set out to raise funds to buy gifts of toys and sweets for DGRI’s children’s ward.
In four weeks, the window artist, who lives with his family in Thornhill, used his talents to create wintry designs on around 100 homes and businesses around the region.
And in return they pledged to support his cause, generating more than £500 in donations.
The hard work was a thanks to the ward following the care his three-year-old son, Riley, received on a stay of more than fortnight there.
Leo said he wanted to do something special for other children in hospital and he came up with the idea of turning his enthusiasm for snow art – kindled last year when he successfully decorated the windows of his home for his family – into a fundraiser, using a range of techniques and materials.
He said: “I’ve really enjoyed doing my art work to help others; the children and their families, and especially at Christmas time.
“I hope giving out the toys and chocolates to the children makes the staff on the ward happy too.
“If it does, I’m really glad I’ve found a way to say thank you for looking after my son.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported my cause with their generous cash donations.
“I’m amazed at how much money was raised in just four weeks and how much everyone has cared about what I’ve been doing.”
Leo also involved his three children in the Christmas cause as they helped select and organise the toys and chocolates.
Kirstine Burns, Senior Charge Nurse Children’s Ward, DGRI, said: “We’re delighted to accept this fantastic donation of toys and chocolates for local children in hospital over Christmas time.
“It’s lovely for the children and the kindness of the gesture means a lot to the staff looking after them.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Clarke, and everyone who supported his fundraiser giving so generously to make it possible to donate so many Christmas treats.”
NHS Dumfries and Galloway Endowment Fund manager Nick Mitchell added: “A big thank you goes out to Mr Clarke and everyone who has supported him in giving so generously for this lovely Christmas donation.
“We really appreciate everything Mr Clarke has done to make this donation happen; the time spent travelling around the region to decorate so many windows with his snow art, organising the toys and chocolates, and making the big delivery with his children.”