Published on: 21 May 2025
A remarkable 99-year-old Great Grandad from Houghton-le-Spring is donating his artwork to raise funds for the hospital that saved his life… twice.
David Hughes MBE - a former Army Sergeant and Co-op chief executive - is gifting a collection of his paintings to support STS Charity, the dedicated charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. Money raised from the artwork will benefit the Stroke Unit and Vision Appeal – areas close to David’s heart due to the care he has received.
David suffered a stroke in November last year and credits the hospital for saving his life not once but twice, having had a pacemaker fitted in 2010. STS Charity has launched the Vision Appeal to fund state of the art equipment for the new eye hospital in the city centre. All services will move from Sunderland Eye Infirmary, which is ageing and no longer fit for purpose.
Through the donation of art, David hopes that vital funds can be raised to benefit patients and staff on the stroke unit as well as funding enhanced equipment and facilities at the new eye hospital, which is due to open in Spring 2026.
A display of David's artwork is now on show at the main reception (B floor) of Sunderland Royal Hospital. A selection of images are also being reproduced as cards and prints, which will be available to buy.
David shared:
“Fourteen years ago, I had a pacemaker fitted, and more recently, a stroke that left me unable to speak or move. Thanks to the incredible care I received at Sunderland Royal Hospital, I’m still here. I’ve been committed to supporting charities since my retirement, and now I’m using my art to give back in my own way.”
David’s passion for art began at the age of 60, following the loss of his beloved wife May. He converted a room in his home into a small studio and taught himself to paint.
David began painting in watercolours, eventually adapting his style when he developed age-related macular degeneration – an eye condition that affects central vision.
Today, he creates striking pieces on black paper using white and coloured chalk, a method inspired by his visual impairment and one of the reasons he’s determined to support STS Charity’s Vision Appeal.
The appeal is part of a broader effort to enhance facilities and patient care, including the development of a new state-of-the-art eye hospital on the former Vaux Brewery site.
Reflecting on the impact of his work, David added:
“At my age, it’s so important to keep busy and art keeps me going. There’s so much bad in the world, and it’s amazing to know that painting can do some good. You can pour so much of yourself into art, and when it helps others too, it means even more. This is my way of giving back, and I’m just grateful I can still do it.”
David’s donation comes at a key time for healthcare in the region, with work already underway on the brand-new eye hospital in Sunderland city centre, as part of the Riverside Sunderland development.
Nichola Taylor, Head of STS Charity, said:
“David’s generosity and sense of purpose is inspiring. He really wanted to give back to the services that have helped him so they can continue to care for so many others in the future. The Vision Appeal will help provide enhanced equipment, improve patient experience, and create a more welcoming environment at the new eye hospital. Every donation, like David’s, brings us closer to making that vision a reality.”
David, who was awarded the MBE in 2016 for decades of dedicated charity work and was named PRIDE of Wearside, is also an author of seven books and an active member of two local art clubs.
A father of two, grandfather to six, and great-grandfather to fourteen, he continues to paint daily and has set his sights on holding an exhibition for his 100th birthday.
Over the years, he has supported a range of charities including Marie Curie, Mencap, and Grace House.
To find out more or support the Vision Appeal, visit: www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity/appeals-campaigns/vision-appeal.
Information about STS Charity can be found here: www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity
