Disabled residents of Leonard Cheshire's Gloucestershire House care home in Cheltenham are hoping that the generous donation of a painting by a local artist will help them meet their fundraising target.

The painting, donated by Worcestershire artist Susan Birth, was created to help with the residents' fundraiser. It will be up for auction on the December 14, and proceeds will go towards a therapy bike for the care home.

During the pandemic, therapy bikes have provided a boost to morale. They have also helped residents at Gloucestershire House achieve their physiotherapy and fitness goals. These essential therapy bikes need constant maintenance and now also replacement.

Last summer, residents and supporters took part in a virtual 'Going for Gold' 6,000-mile Tokyo cycling challenge, to raise funds for a new bike. Susan has volunteered to help them meet their target.

Sarah Grout, events manager at Leonard Cheshire, said: "We have seen how important activities like cycling can be for disabled people. More recently the therapy bikes have provided a focus through cycling challenge events, supporting a sense of community in the care home during lockdown. We are overwhelmed that Susan Birth has donated her beautiful painting to help us reach our goal."

Cheltenham-based auctioneers, The Cotswold Auction Company, are including the painting in their Christmas sale on December 14. 

Bidding will take place online and at their Cheltenham sale room.

Susan Birth said: "I love that my artwork can help raise funds for this great cause. My mixed media painting contains a collection of flowers and plants in various shades of purple, which is the colour of disability awareness. The variety represents the diversity of the people Leonard Cheshire supports. I have given it the title 'I See Purple'. My hope is that this auction helps the brilliant 'Going for Gold' challenge cyclists to reach their fundraising target."

Leonard Cheshire, the pan-disability charity, runs Gloucestershire House, offering supported living and care services for 36 residents with physical disabilities. The site includes a high-quality physiotherapy suite and offers a range of activities for residents to enjoy, including cycling on these adapted bicycles.

If you are interested in purchasing this painting, for yourself or perhaps as a Christmas gift, details about the auction on the December 14, including the painting's catalogue listing, will be available on the Cotswold Auction Company website.