The parents of baby Max, who spent the first year of his life in hospital, have said they are ‘overjoyed’ after a group of HSDC students volunteered to paint a mural for their baby boy.
Max Olivares has been in hospital since his birth. The one-year-old was diagnosed with a heart problem and hasn’t left the ward, but parents Hannah Bloomfield and Wayne Olivares haven’t left his side.
The couple purchased a new home but haven’t had time to decorate. In preparation for Max’s return home, the pair wanted to make sure that his room was ready.
Havant & South Downs College Fine Art Course Manager, Mark Kellett, said: “I received a note from Bob Bloomfield, Max’s granddad.
“The family had been quoted hundreds of pounds for the room to be painted. I have young children myself and straight away I wanted to help.”
Mark approached his class and asked if any students would like to volunteer to paint Max’s room.
Mark said: “I was astounded with the response. The students almost ripped my arms off!”
Saskia Meijer, Ellie White, Lucy Bradbury, Laura Pauley, Raven McKenzie-Jell and Katherine Lynch all dedicated their time, alongside Paul, to paint the mural.
Granddad Bob said: “I was taken aback by their generosity. They’re all so talented and have done a wonderful thing.
“We’re just so grateful. They have no idea how much this means to Hannah and Wayne.”
Mark added: “They tried to offer money and I said no. We were working away and then boxes upon boxes of Dominos Pizza turned up! The students were happy!”
Student Saskia, 16, said: “This is the first time I’ve painted a mural but I really wanted to do it.
“It’s been a really good experience of what it would be like to be commissioned on a big piece of art and how it feels to work to a deadline.
“We’re really glad that we got chosen to do the painting and I really hope they like it!”
After seeing the mural, Hannah said: “We wanted to make the room perfect and they have made that happen for us. We are so over the moon. The girls and Mark have done a fantastic job, it looks absolutely amazing.”