Published on: 8 December 2025
A local artist and great‑grandfather is celebrating his 100th birthday with a special exhibition in support of the hospital that saved his life twice.
David Hughes MBE, from Houghton‑le‑Spring, has donated a collection of his paintings to STS Charity, the official charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
His exhibition, Celebration, opened with a preview at Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 20th November and runs until 20th December 2025.
Through his milestone birthday gift, David hopes to raise funds for STS Charity’s Stroke Unit Fund and their Vision Appeal, which aims to raise funds towards enhanced equipment and resources at the new Eye Hospital in Sunderland city centre due to open in Summer 2026.
At the preview, David shared:
“If I can persuade people who are on their own to get out, to do even a little and live a happier and longer life, that’s all I’m trying to do. I get up every morning and say, ‘David, enjoy today. It’s no good thinking of tomorrow as it may not come. Accept the things you can change, change the things you can and live every day to your best.’”
David credits Sunderland Royal Hospital with saving his life twice. In November last year, David suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak or move and earlier in 2010 when he received a pacemaker at the same hospital.
David shared:
“Thanks to the incredible care I received at Sunderland Royal Hospital, I’m still here and enjoying life. I’ve been committed to supporting charities since my retirement and now I’m using my art and my 100th birthday to give back in my own way.”
The preview event brought together David’s family, members of his art clubs, representatives from STS Charity, Sunderland Culture and Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
Nichola Taylor, Head of STS Charity, shared:
“We are so grateful to David for his incredible support of STS Charity. His generosity in donating his artwork will make a real difference and his commitment to giving back is truly inspiring.
“He shows us the importance of creativity and staying active in older age for health and wellbeing, he’s just brilliant. It was wonderful to see the preview and to celebrate his upcoming 100th birthday and I’d encourage everyone to come along and experience this very special exhibition.”
Prints and cards featuring David’s artwork are available to purchase from Arts Centre Washington, with all profits supporting STS Charity. They can also be ordered directly by emailing the charity on stsft.charity@nhs.net.
Matthew Blyth, Culture and Heritage Officer at Arts Centre Washington, shared:
“David’s exhibition is a celebration of resilience and creativity. Despite recent challenges, David has continued to create extraordinary work that is inspiring our visitors.
“His message of staying active and pursuing your passions, no matter your age or the obstacles put in your way, is something we can all take inspiration from. It’s an honour to host this exhibition at Arts Centre Washington, especially as David approaches his remarkable 100th birthday!”
David discovered a passion for art aged 60. Following the loss of his beloved wife May, he converted a room in his home into a studio and taught himself to paint.
He began painting with watercolours, eventually adapting his style when he developed age-related macular degeneration – an eye condition that affects central vision.
David’s lifelong connection with local eye care began as a child as a patient at the Stockton Road hospital before Sunderland Eye Infirmary opened in 1946. Today he is proud to support enhancements at the new Eye Hospital.
He was awarded his 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. Over his life, he has supported many charities including Marie Curie, Mencap and Grace House.
See more about the exhibition here: https://www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/celebration-by-david-hughes/
To see more about STS Charity: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/our-charity
