After being paralysed from a diving accident, an artist paints with his mouth. He has donated artwork to Doddie Wise’s charity for motor neurone (MND) research.
Henry Fraser, 30 years old, created his own version of the story “Doddie 5 Tartan”This piece is a representation of what it means to finance vital research into MND. “turn life’s hardships on their head”.
The former Scotland international rugby star’s positive outlook and upbeat nature is a “huge inspiration”Fraser was an ex-player for the Saracens academy.
He played rugby all through his childhood, adolescence and into his teens. In 2009, he suffered life-altering injuries after a diving accident in Portugal that left him paralysed from the shoulders.
Mouth artist Henry Fraser with his piece (My Name’5 Doddie Foundation/PA)
Mr Fraser’s love of art, which he had through his childhood, was rekindled in 2015 after he learned to paint with his mouth.
“Like Doddie, I was an active man prior to my accident. Having that taken away so suddenly was completely life changing,”He said.
“It forced me to re-evaluate and recalibrate absolutely everything and meant transforming my physical strength into mental strength.
“Doddie has done just that, and completely taken it in his stride. He is extremely happy and joyful, and that positive attitude has made such a huge impact on me.
“Although we are going through two very different things, I really look up to him as a role model. The way he approaches every day with drive and determination is amazing, and he’s inspired me to live my life the same way.”
Henry Fraser’s personal inspiration is Doddie Weir, who has created artwork that was inspired by his tartan (Ian Rutherford/PA).PA Archive/PA Images Ian Rutherford
He has hundreds of designs that feature everything from celebrities to exotic animals and landscapes.
Online ordering of tartan prints can be made via frameuk.net/product/henry-fraser/, with all proceeds from the sales going directly towards the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation which was set up by Doddie Weir.
Fraser stated: “The painting isn’t intended to be perfect.
“The lines are a bit off and it doesn’t sit perfectly straight, but that’s an honest representation of what life is like.
“This painting is a reflection of two people who have battled something life-changing. Even though Doddie and I are going through two very different things, I think the piece brings our experiences together.
“Charities like the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation are absolutely vital when it comes to supporting people going through huge life changes. If I can change just one person’s life through the funds we raise with these digital prints, then I’ll know it’s a job well done.”
Jill Douglas, chief executive of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We are really grateful to Henry for kindly creating this special painting for the foundation.
“Henry is an incredibly talented artist who shares the same positive outlook on life as Doddie. We really appreciate his support and it’s because of people like Henry that we can continue to fund vital research into MND and try to give people living with this terrible disease some hope.”