Michael Pollington

A series of eight paintings, which tell the Hospice’s story of support, compassion and hope, have been created by Michael Pollington, to commemorate and celebrate our 40 years of caring for the communities of West Suffolk and Thetford.

Michael is our next 40th Face of St Nic’s.

Michael Pollington, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Corporate Governance Manager & IG Lead, has created a series of striking paintings ‘Darkness to Light’ to illustrate how the hospice has helped to support so many people facing dying, death and grief over the past 40 years.

Michael, spent three months and over 200 hours of his own time creating the artwork, which as well as being displayed at numerous venues over the coming months has already been exhibited in St Edmundsbury Cathedral as part of a special service to mark four decades of St Nic’s, and it has been on show in West Suffolk Hospital.

‘Darkness to Light’ tells a story of a hospice journey, starting with St Nicholas seeing a need to help, and finish by depicting how the Hospice is there for the patients through death, dying and grief.

Michael said: “Being able to merge my day job with my more creative side has been amazing. Looking into the history of the Hospice, where it came from and the history of St Nicholas has been fascinating.

“My hope is people will be encouraged to support the Hospice, through donation, fundraising or volunteering. But also learn that a Hospice is not about a person dying, but about their quality of life, their family and friends, enjoying the time they have and keeping control up to the point of death and beyond.

“The Hospice continues to support the family through bereavement including specialist services for the children. It is a very easy place to be inspired by”

So far these acrylic creations have been used to raise vital awareness for the Hospice, and have been displayed at high-profile venues, such as Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds.

In the coming weeks and months the artwork will be able to be viewed at St Peter and Paul’s Church, High Street, Clare, Sudbury, from August 9-29, Garland Street Baptist Church, Pump Lane, Bury St Edmunds, from September 4-9, Haverhill Methodist Church, 28 Camps Road, Haverhill, from September 10-16, St Mary’s Church, High Street, Haverhill, from September 17-30 and St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Haverhill Hub, Camps Road, Haverhill from October 1-14.

Michael said: “The tour will enable people in the community to see the paintings and give us an opportunity to reach out to the areas we serve. I hope it’s seen as a thank you for all the past support and everyone enjoys them.”

Michael’s artwork will also be displayed during the Hospice’s Light Up a Life remembrance events which take place in the lead-up to the festive season.

To see more of Michael’s artwork for the Hospice, please click here or visit his Instagram page @michaelpaulart.