A renowned mouth artist has unveiled his new artwork that pays homage to his her - rugby legend Doddie Weir.
Artist Henry Fraser, 23, was left paralysed from the shoulders after a freak driving accident back in 2009 and has created his own take on the iconic Doddie's Tartan in a bid to raise funds for vital research into Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
The piece “embodies what it means to turn life’s hardships on their head”, and features powerful quotes from both Henry and Doddie, who revealed his own MND diagnosis six years ago.
READ NEXT- Hero East Lothian Asda worker races to help elderly customer after bad fall
Doddie’s positive outlook and upbeat nature is a ”huge inspiration” to Henry, who played rugby throughout his childhood and teenage years for Saracens academy.
He said: “Like Doddie, I was an active man prior to my accident. Having that taken away so suddenly was completely life changing.
“It forced me to re-evaluate and recalibrate absolutely everything, and meant transforming my physical strength into mental strength.
“Doddie has done just that, and completely taken it in his stride. He is extremely happy and joyful, and that positive attitude has made such a huge impact on me.
“Although we are going through two very different things, I really look up to him as a role model. The way he approaches every day with drive and determination is amazing, and he’s inspired me to live my life the same way.”
He added: “The painting isn’t intended to be perfect. The lines are a bit off and it doesn’t sit perfectly straight, but that’s an honest representation of what life is like.
“This painting is a reflection of two people who have battled something life changing. Even though Doddie and I are going through two very different things, I think the piece brings our experiences together.
“Charities like the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation are absolutely vital when it comes to supporting people going through huge life changes. If I can change just one person’s life through the funds we raise with these digital prints, then I’ll know it’s a job well done.”
Henry was just 17 when he suffered catastrophic injuries following a sea-diving accident while on holiday with his friends in Portugal. In January 2015, he rekindled a childhood passion for art by teaching himself to draw and paint with utensils attached to a mouthpiece.
Since then, the 30-year-old has created hundreds of designs, showcasing everything from famous sportspeople, to exotic animals and stunning landscapes. His collaboration with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation is his latest in a long list of projects, and one that he is “honoured” to put to his name.
Edinburgh born Doddie, 52, was diagnosed with MND back in 2016 and the BBC reported that he said he was 'flabbergasted' that he was still here and was able to celebrate his silver wedding anniversary with his wife, Kathy.
He said: "I'm totally flabbergasted why I'm still here. A couple of years ago I celebrated my 50th which was quite a big stepping stone.
"I think the reason is when people are told they have MND, basically they are told they have one or two years to live, and you follow that because that's the norm.
"So for me to be six years in is quite unbelievable."
Jill Douglas, CEO of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, said: “We are really grateful to Henry for kindly creating this special painting for the Foundation
“Henry is an incredibly talented artist who shares the same positive outlook on life as Doddie. We really appreciate his support and it’s because of people like Henry that we can continue to fund vital research into MND and try to give people living with this terrible disease some hope.”
Prints of the painting can be bought online via frameuk.net/product/henry-fraser/, which was founded by the former Scotland international in 2017.
All proceeds from the sales will go directly towards the charity’s aim of one day finding a cure for the devastating disease.
READ NEXT-
Edinburgh drivers warned as M90 to close overnight for urgent refurbishment
Edinburgh Napier University offers all students free breakfast as living costs soar
Edinburgh woman desperate to save one-eyed cat months after adopting him
Superstar DJ Calvin Harris poses with Hearts fans in Florence for Fiorentina match
Edinburgh restaurant's apology as staff member accused of being 'rude and unprofessional'
