Earlier in the 2017/18 football season artist Louise Cobbold from Suffolk decided to paint an image of her husband’s favourite player, Ruben Neves, as a gift. Wolves-mad Chris was so delighted with the painting he posted the image on social media. The reaction was so positive and sparked such interest amongst the Wolves supporters it led to an idea to raise funds for blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia in support of Wolves’ goalkeeper Carl Ikeme who was diagnosed with acute leukaemia in July 2017.

Using photos taken by award-winning photographer Sam Bagnall, Louise has painted a set of 12 original pieces which have been signed by Louise as well as the Premier League bound Wolves players and staff that feature. These paintings are being auctioned through Cure Leukaemia’s eBay page.

All 12 pieces in ‘The Great Big Art Auction’ will be framed and will be available to bid for from 9pm Thursday April 19th until Sunday April 29th. 100% of the funds raised will go to Cure Leukaemia to support the lifesaving work of the specialist research nurses the charity fund in the Midlands.

Limited edition prints of these paintings will also be available to purchase through Louise’s website www.sportspersonalities.org with 10% of the profits also going to Cure Leukaemia. In addition, a raffle for an original, signed Ruben Neves painting is currently taking place available via a bespoke JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com/sportspersonalities) with every £1 donation giving the donor the chance of winning this unique piece of sporting memorabilia from an unforgettable season for the Midlands club. Each additional £1 donated will increase chances of winning (£5 = five entries, £10 = ten entries, etc.) £1,600 has been raised already through this page.

38-year-old mother of two Louise said: “This idea has brought together our two biggest passions as a couple, Wolves for Chris and art for myself.

We have always been passionate about supporting good causes and whilst the ultimate gift for all of us would be Carl’s swift return to full health, in the meantime, we are proud to be playing our part in the phenomenal fundraising efforts of the Wolves family for Cure Leukaemia.”

Chris, 41, an IT recruitment specialist said: “I absolutely loved Louise’s gift; it was Ruben, it was Wolves; of course, I was going to share with other fans on social media to get their thoughts!

I never imagined that it would receive such a positive reaction, but it has led to an idea which I hope will raise vital funds for a fantastic charity in support of Carl.

It would not have been possible without the stunning photography Sam Bagnall so kindly allowed Louise to use as a reference for her illustrations and we are also very grateful to Wolves and Cure Leukaemia for helping make this idea a reality.”

Cure Leukaemia’s Chief Executive James McLaughlin said, “Louise and Chris have driven a very unique and innovative fundraising idea in support of Carl and Cure Leukaemia and I am sure the Wolves family will get right behind this auction.

The paintings are fantastic and we are very grateful to Louise, Chris, Wolves and Sam Bagnall for making this possible. Every penny raised will go towards directly helping patients, like Carl, who are battling blood cancer in the Midlands.”