A canvas of Steven Gerrard painted by Blind Veteran Matt Rhodes and Signed by Steven Gerrard.

Matt Rhodes joined the Army in 1992 and loved the life he led. He was in the 1st Battalion the Devon and Dorset Regiment where he served in Germany and Canada. Tragically, he suffered terrible head trauma after a horrific motorbike accident three days before his 21st Birthday. His brain injury resulted in an inability to translate messages from the eye, paralysis of the right-hand side of his body, short term memory loss and - in Matt's words, a lack of emotions.

Matt was referred to Blind Veterans UK in 1996 and since then has received a wide range of support, training and equipment to help him take control of his circumstances and enjoy his life again. “The moment I was registered blind, Blind Veterans UK was there for me, teaching me how to regain my confidence and independence.”

Prior to his accident Matt had not painted. Our Art and Craft Instructors identified via assessments that painting would be something that Matt may be able to participate in with his level of vision and other disabilities. They began to work with him, developing his painting technique with the help of equipment including projectors, magnifiers and special lighting that enabled Matt to make the most of the vision he had. 

The canvas is portrait and measurements are approx. 60cm (W) x 80cm (L).

This auction also includes a letter of authenticity addressed personally to the winner to validate the piece once purchased.

Proceeds from the sale of this piece will be towards continuing the work of Blind Veterans UK, a charity that provides emotional support, rehabilitation and training to blind veterans across the UK regardless of how or when they lost their sight.  For more information visit www.blindveterans.org.uk.

Conditions: The auction winner will be notified via email and will receive the item within 20 working days of payment being received. For more information, email [email protected] or ring us on 0203 301 5800.

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