Aerospace welder Gary Smith is auctioning new artwork in aid of Christchurch’s Macmillan cancer unit

A BEAUTIFUL three-part sculpture created by a welder whose partner spent her final days in the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital will be auctioned in aid of the charity.

Gary Smith, from Bournemouth, is an aerospace welder but in his spare time he uses unwanted cutlery to form into unique pieces of art for private and commercial clients.

His latest work, New Beginnings, features a host of butterflies covered in 24ct gold and will be auctioned at the Macmillan unit’s annual fundraiser, the Flutterby Ball, and via Facebook on 4th October.

Gary’s partner Fiona died at the Macmillan Unit in 2013, just months after her cancer diagnosis. He said: “The care Fiona received was outstanding. Nothing was too much trouble and I’ll be forever grateful for that. I feel honoured to be able to use my art to support the hospice’s work; it’s become a part of my life.”

It is the third piece Gary has auctioned for the unit – his two previous works were also butterfly-themed and made of old cutlery and metal washers. They raised a substantial sum for the charity.

He said: “This year is Macmillan Caring Locally’s golden anniversary, hence the real gold butterflies, and it would be fabulous if New Beginnings raised a truly impressive amount.”

Gary, who met his wife Lucy, who is an aromatherapist, through the Macmillan Unit, said he would not have been able to create New Beginnings without the help of four local businesses: Elite Fabrication & Welding Ltd, Accujet in Poole, Dolphin Marine in Poole and NB Powder Coating Services.

New Beginnings is currently on display at the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa in Christchurch.