Six-year-old Rhed says she hopes her dad will see her NHS artwork 'from heaven'

Talented six-year-old Rhed Hendry has turned the front of her house into a work of art to honour her dad, nana and the NHS.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Bexhill Academy Primary School pupil picked up her chalks and worked on the bricks to create a multi-coloured front garden wall, along with the word “Dad”.

On the pavement she has written the words “Stay safe” and “We (heart-shape) NHS” alongside drawings of more hearts, sunshines and rainbows.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rhed lives with her mam Laura Beedall and brothers Heydon, 11 and Jack, 8 in Town End Farm.

Six year-old Rhed Hendry displays the artwork she created for her dad, great-nana and the NHS.Six year-old Rhed Hendry displays the artwork she created for her dad, great-nana and the NHS.
Six year-old Rhed Hendry displays the artwork she created for her dad, great-nana and the NHS.

On December 29, 2019 the children lost their dad, Nissan worker and partner to Laura, Chris Hendry, who passed away at the age of just 34.

What was a terrible start to 2020 for the family became even worse when Laura’s nana, Anne Ramshaw, died at the age of 73 on the day before Chris’ funeral.

Like everyone else, the family have been trying to keep themselves amused during the coronavirus lockdown. Talented artist Rhed thought of something quite spectacular.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She created the touching tribute to her dad and great-nana, as well as to frontline workers in the NHS. Her colourful creation has attracted many compliments from neighbours, passers-by and online.

Six year-old Rhed Hendry displays the artwork she created for her dad, great-nana and the NHS.Six year-old Rhed Hendry displays the artwork she created for her dad, great-nana and the NHS.
Six year-old Rhed Hendry displays the artwork she created for her dad, great-nana and the NHS.

Laura said: “We had been in the house for a long time. She’s been bored, but she’s been no bother.

“She’s had a drawing on display in a gallery in Gateshead. She’ll draw on anything. She had seen on the telly that someone in Australia had done something similar. So we just went out and she did it.

“She said that she wanted her dad and nana to see her work from heaven. She wanted everyone to see it really. Someone came past and took a photograph and put it on the internet. Rhed was over the moon when I told her.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“She asked if that meant her dad could see it now and I told her yes.”

Chris Hendry passed away in December 2019 aged just 34, seen here having fun with his daughter Rhed.Chris Hendry passed away in December 2019 aged just 34, seen here having fun with his daughter Rhed.
Chris Hendry passed away in December 2019 aged just 34, seen here having fun with his daughter Rhed.

Rhed did have a little bit of assistance from her mam. Laura added: “I had to help when she asked me how to spell ‘NHS.’”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Six year-old Rhed Hendry with some of the artwork she created to honour her dad.Six year-old Rhed Hendry with some of the artwork she created to honour her dad.
Six year-old Rhed Hendry with some of the artwork she created to honour her dad.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

Related topics: