Brain injury patient wins top prize at national arts award programme

A man who has been in hospital with a brain injury for most of his adult life has received a top prize for his artistic skills.

Francis, a patient at St Andrew’s Healthcare, has been recognised by the Koestler Awards programme for a self-portrait. His winning entry, which has been awarded platinum, stood out among thousands submitted to the programme, which supports and showcases the artistic talents of individuals in secure settings across the UK.

The accolade is especially meaningful for Francis, who was left unable to read or write after he suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a car accident in 2009. He said: “I feel like I’m blessed after all that I went through. I feel like I have a guardian angel floating around me.”

The winning artwork is a self-portrait of Francis, standing between a pair of wings which he made himself. Reflecting on his journey, Francis, who will receive £100 prize money, said: “You know, sometimes you get told you’re written off, but I disproved that and embarked on my rehabilitation journey.

“I have no memory of the accident, but when I woke up, the only way I can explain it, is it was like being a baby all over again. I had to use diapers, and a walking frame to learn how to walk again. For a period of time I wasn’t able to talk either.

“My life had been turned upside down completely and doctors told my family to there was very little hope of me living a normal life and suggested they start making plans to put me into a care home. Things looked bleak for me and it was scary. I didn’t know what the future held for me. But, now look at me. I’m creating award-winning art. Yes, I’m proud of myself.”

The Koestler judges said: “The judges were unanimous in their appreciation of the composition, mood, choice of tone, use of shadow, whimsy and intrigure generated in this image. It succeeded as a portrait, yet it was so much more than that. And then there was the title, what fun!”

Francis credits his Occupational Therapist Fraser Scatterty and Recovery and Enablement Pathway Facilities Coordinator within Arts Alison Williams for helping him find creative ways to assist his recovery.

Alison said: “We’re all so proud of Francis and how far he’s come with his rehabilitation. This award is so deserved and not only reflects Francis’s exceptional creativity and dedication, but also highlights the transformative power the arts can have in rehabilitation and personal growth. Francis’s work is a testament to the resilience and imagination that can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.”

Several other patients also submitted work and silver and bronze prizes were awarded. Some of the award-winning pieces will be featured in a forthcoming Koestler Arts exhibition which will be held at London’s Southbank Centre.