Artist Bob Barker has donated a framed original painting to be auctioned at a ball raising funds for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity.
Originally from Pudsey, Bob Barker is known for capturing the experience of growing up in a Northern milltown in his atmospheric paintings, and has created a new unique work, ‘I Know You!’, especially for the charity.
Bob’s original painting, which depicts a young child meeting and recognising Santa Claus, while both wearing matching Yorkshire flat caps, will be sold to the highest bidder at the YBTC Glitter Ball.
Taking place on 26 November at Leeds Marriott Hotel, the Glitter Ball will raise funds to help the charity continue their vital research and support services for patients and family members impacted by a brain tumour diagnosis.
Bob’s great nephew, Will, was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was just 15 years old.
Since then, the whole Barker family has been fundraising tirelessly to support families in the same situation. Will’s parents, Ty and Lisa, set up the charity Will’s Way to provide grants for children being treated on Ward L52 at Leeds General Infirmary. In 2020, Will’s Way became an official Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity fund.
This is not the first time Bob has called upon his artistic skills to help support the cause – previously, a percentage of the proceeds from his work ‘Where there’s a Will there’s a Way’ were donated to the charity. He also put down his paintbrush and picked up a flat cap as part of YBTC’s Flat Cap Friday awareness campaign back in 2021.
Will’s mum, Lisa said: “As a YBTC fund, Will’s Way’s goal is to provide financial support to families whose lives have been turned upside down by a brain tumour diagnosis. Hopefully the Glitter Ball will raise a significant amount, to help YBTC fund grants, emotional support and new research.
“We’re thrilled to support the event in any way we can, by donating this unique prize and attending as a family. It’ll be a great chance to get together to celebrate, dress up and dance the night away, which we all need after the past two years!”
Fans of Bob Barker’s art are also welcome to submit their auction bids prior to the ball, by emailing their price to BobBarkerBids@yorksbtc.org.uk.
For more information about the Glitter Ball, go to yorksbtc.org.uk/charityball.