TV host’s sketches secure cash for NHS

Presenter turns hidden talent into a money-spinner

A Peterborough-based Create and Craft presenter has raised thousands of pounds after the discovery of his hidden sketching talent in lockdown inspired him to launch a charity fundraiser.

Presenter Dave Bradford netted £3,750 after selling prints of his first sketch and auctioning the orginal during his show with Create and Craft – a division of the TV and online retailer Ideal Shopping World, in Newark Road.

All proceeds will go to NHS Charities Together. Mr Bradford said he had taken up sketching during lockdown and was inspired to sell his work after receiving lots of positive comments.

Some 382 prints of his first sketch – Highclere Castle, the setting for TV’s Downton Abbey – were sold on Create and Craft over a month and the original, signed by Downton Abbey star, Hugh Bonneville, was auctioned for £610.

The donation will be used to support the 241 NHS member charities across the UK that tend to the needs of patients and staff and to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.

Mr Bradford said: “I’ve been bowled over by the support we’ve had for the fundraiser, it’s just brilliant people bought all the prints and we raised so much.

“It’s really important to support our NHS heroes in every way possible and I’m pleased that the discovery of my creative streak enabled us to do this.

“I’d like to extend my thanks to all those who have supported the fundraiser and say a special thank you to Hugh Bonneville.”

Dave Bradford with his ‘Downton Abbey’ sketch.