Banksy sale funds Carlisle children’s hospice upgrade

Almost half a million pounds has been spent upgrading a children’s hospice thanks to the sale of a Banksy artwork.

“Game Changer” was given to a hospital charity in Southampton during the Covid pandemic and sold at auction, with the money raised distributed across the UK.

A share has been used by Jigsaw Children’s Hospice in Carlisle to carry out renovation work.

It has opened a new entrance and reception area, with funds also spent on bedrooms and bathrooms used by children with life-limiting conditions.

Banksy’s piece depicts a boy playing with superhero toys, discarding Batman and Spiderman and instead choosing to play with a masked nurse doll.

A note accompanying the artwork read: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.”

Jigsaw says funds from the sale were distributed throughout the UK to benefit a range of healthcare providers and charities that work to enhance the care and treatment provided by the NHS.

Its own share was £499,575, augmented by money from other trusts, foundations, organisations and individuals in Cumbria.

Hospice CEO Julie Clayton told BBC Radio Cumbria it was a shock to learn they had been awarded such a generous amount.

She said the renovation was in two parts, the first aimed at making a brighter initial impression because the former entrance involved guests going round the back of the adjacent Eden Valley Hospice.

The plan was to create a bright and cheerful garden entrance, with space for parents arriving in large vehicles containing support equipment for their children with complex needs.

Ms Clayton said the bedroom and bathroom work was aimed at making them a real experience for residents.

She said her staff wanted the children to walk into a room “with a real wow factor”, and have “bathrooms like a spa”.

Director of Clinical Services and Deputy CEO Jenny Wilson said the funding has allowed the hospice a “once in a generation” opportunity to make significant improvements.

She said: “We are so grateful to Banksy and, of course, to Southampton Hospitals Charity for their generosity, and to the many other funders who contributed, both locally here and across the country.”