Isle of Wight artist Sue Stitt donates special version of her Lymington print featuring Olivia Burt to raise funds for charity in her memory

BIDDING is now open for the chance to own a special piece of artwork which will benefit New Forest-based charity Olivia Inspires.

Isle of Wight artist Sue Stitt, a digital illustrator, has created a version of her ‘Lymington’ print specially for the charity and donated it in a joint project by the charity and New Forest Business Partnership.

The print features Olivia sailing her Laser Radial and her Optimist, and is one of only two produced, the other being owned by her parents Paula and Nigel.

Launched by them in 2019, Olivia Inspires celebrates the memory of their 20-year-old daughter, who died in an accident outside a nightclub in Durham, where she was a first-year natural sciences student.

The charity helps some of the most disadvantaged pupils in the New Forest district’s secondary schools and special education centres.

Olivia, who lived most her 20 years in Milford, was a gifted sailor, starting aged just five with Optimists, before moving on to Lasers, 4.7s and Radials, competing internationally for GBR in all these classes.

People interested in owning the artwork should download the sealed bid form from the charity’s website www.oliviainspires.org.uk

The auction, which closes on 5th July, has a reserve sale price of £500 and is limited to one bid per person.