Osbourne House to hold art exhibition for Leeds Hospital

Staff at Osborne House in Selby are holding an exhibition to raise funds for Ward 52 at Leeds General Infirmary, which has cared for Skyla Gentles.

It came after the little girl, who is the granddaughter of Osborne head housekeeper Janet, was found unresponsive by her mum Gema last month.

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Speaking about this, Janet said: “Skyla was unwell on that night and was taken to hospital, where a blood clot was found, which had been caused by bacterial meningitis.

“She also had a venous stroke and was placed in an induced coma before her brain operation.

“She couldn’t hold her own body weight and struggled to walk and talk.

“But the staff at Leeds Children’s Hospital have been incredible, and she is now slowly getting better.”

Skyla had a venous stroke, which was caused by meningitis (Image: Supplied)

Skyla was allowed to go home recently but is continuing to be monitored by doctors and physiotherapists.

To celebrate her recovery and the priceless work of those at the hospital, Janet and the care home have organised Sunrise Sunset – an art competition and exhibition at Selby Town Hall for the children and families supported on the ward.

Care home activities and events coordinator, Dawn Guibert, said: “The residents Osborne House wanted to do something to help Skyla and other families and their children being treated in Leeds Hospital.

“Many of our residents have suffered a stroke, have dementia, cancer, and other illnesses due to age and have lost fine motor skills or have limited movement.

“So, we have developed techniques to create wonderful art whatever their ability, using household objects that are easier to handle than paint brushes and felt pens.

“The residents had been working hard to create artwork in view of holding a fundraising event for Skyla’s ward.

“And that’s when we created the Sunrise Sunset event.”

Staff and residents at Osborne House have joined to raise vital funds for Leeds Hospitals Charity (Image: Supplied)

The fundraiser is scheduled to take place from 12pm till 4pm on Friday (September 4).

A raffle, refreshments and art will be sold on the day.

It adds to donations already raised through a GoFundMe page, organised by staff.

More information can be found here.