SINCE losing her father to blood cancer in 2020, a determined Dorset schoolgirl has raised thousands in his memory by auctioning some impressive artwork.
Emily Baggott, 13, has raised more than £5,000 for cancer charity Myeloma UK after auctioning eight of her paintings at an event in Bournemouth on May 6.
The event took place at The Connaught Hotel and Spa as 100 people gathered to remember and celebrate the life of her dad, Jeremy Baggott, who died during the pandemic of blood cancer at the age of 50.
Emily’s love of painting was born during the first lockdown when the family would sit at the garden table in the sun and paint together.
When Jeremy passed away, the youngster continued to paint as a distraction from grieving the loss of her father.
Not being able to have a proper funeral due to Covid restrictions, Jeremy’s wife of 20 years Kerry arranged a celebration of his life in Bournemouth.
She said: “The room was so full of love for him and it was a great opportunity to regale all the funny stories and revel in all his achievements. As well as a few tears, there was lots of laughter – exactly what Jeremy would have wanted.”
For Kerry and her daughters, the auction was the icing on the cake. Emily said: “It was mummy’s idea that we auction my paintings.
“I didn’t even know what an auction was to be honest. We hoped we might raise a few hundred pounds, we never expected to raise thousands. I’m so happy.
“I have loved painting over the past year and now to think my work is hanging up in other people’s homes is crazy. It’s spurred me on even more now.”
This brings the total amount of money that the family have raised for Myeloma UK up to more than £65,000. Myeloma UK is the only charity in the country focusing solely on this type of cancer.
Proud mum Kerry added: “Raising awareness of this rare cancer is vital, because the symptoms are so often not picked up early enough.”
Visit justgiving.com/kerry-baggott3 to see Emily’s paintings and to support the family.
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