Gogglebox stars auction self-portraits to raise funds for NHS nurses

Gogglebox regulars Lee Riley and Jenny Newby are among the stars from hit show who will be auctioning off a self portrait of them on their sofas to help raise funds for NHS nurses.

In recent weeks, the stars have been busy getting creative and making self-portraits to be auctioned off for Cavell Nurses’ Trust – which is raising funds for nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Amira and Amani, Anne and Ken, Dave and Shirley and Ellie and Izzi are joined by the Malones, Pete and Sophie, Stephen and Daniel Sally and Paige plus Sue and Steve.

The Michaels, Mary and Giles, the Siddiquis and the Worthingtons have also created images.

The Sofa Self-Portrait Prize Draw will take place from Friday until June 5. Entry costs £3 a person and the winners will be picked at random. All proceeds will go to the Trust.

Merchandise is also available to buy. There are three designs of the Nurses Rock t-shirt, which cost £9.99. They have been created by Mark Stredwick and Paloma Faith has been seen wearing one of the designs.

Star Julie Malone, said: “As a mother of a paediatric intensive care nurse, I really enjoyed getting involved with this project. We really appreciate all the work the Cavell Nurses’ Trust do for nurses and healthcare workers and we would like to thank them from the bottom of our hearts.”

Wimbledon art school graduate Giles Wood added: “This one is especially rare as I normally paint landscapes or interiors where there is room for less exactitude than in portraiture.”

His partner Mary adds; “Paintings by Giles have a rarity value because it’s difficult to drag him away from his one acre wildlife garden. Yet, he rose to the challenge anyway because of the exceptional work done by the Cavell Nurses’ Trust which we both want to support.”

The show’s executive producer Tania Alexander was behind the idea.

She said: The work that Cavell Nurses’ Trust does is incredibly valuable. They offer real and tangible support to the nursing profession, and they’re doing that right now at what is such a crucial time.

“I think I speak for the entire Gogglebox cast and crew when I say that we are grateful to them and to the clinical care profession as a whole. This painting project for the prize draw is our way of trying to say thank you. We hope it helps raise awareness and funds simultaneously, so please do buy a ticket.”

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