Sunderland man's hopes to raise money for NHS with drawings in tribute to pregnant partner working on front line

And now Craig Fletcher, of Doxford Park, hopes to do his bit for our health service and raise some money through the auction of the drawings, which he made in honour of his partner.

Craig, 34, spoke to the Echo of his pride in partner Helen Ferris, who is almost 18 weeks pregnant and works on the NHS front line.

It was her hard work and unwavering dedication which inspired him to put pen to paper for the drawings, which depict health workers as superheroes in disguise.

Craig, who is currently on furlough from his job at JD Gyms in Sunderland, has been drawing since he was a child and it remains one of his favourite pastimes.

He said: “Helen working for the NHS is something amazing and anyone working for them should be proud even though they are massively undervalued in this world.

“I love that she plays such an important role and helps so many people in their day-to-day lives and times of need, but this is not without my worries due to the people she can encounter and the unfortunate lack of respect for NHS workers some people have.

“But being almost 18 weeks pregnant and one of the highest risk people at the moment with the coronavirus makes me very worried on a daily basis.

“This was another reason for the doodles - a mark of respect for her and what she still does day in, day out knowing she is at risk.”

He says sees his drawings as “nothing special” – but Craig hopes they will help him fundraise for the NHS and say thank you to its workers.

Those interested in making a donation for the chance to take home one of the pictures, which are A3 sized, can contact Craig via email on [email protected].

He then plans to pick a winner at random and they will receive one of the framed pictures.

Craig added: “People love to donate to a worth cause, so why not get a little something back for it.”

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