Continuing Bonds with Nialle

“Nialle is really pleased to be part of Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds and has enjoyed the whole project.” Vivien, Nialle’s mum

Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds is a collaboration between St Oswald’s Hospice and Local Artist, Leanne Pearce. Working with 12 bereaved and pre-bereaved families who have accessed our bereavement support service and/or other care services, Leanne has created stunning paintings of their loved ones to support them in their ‘continuing bonds’ process. Here is the story of one of the families who took part in this unique and beautiful project.

Twenty-seven-year-old Nialle was born extremely premature and 4 days later suffered a bleed to his brain.

Nialle, who has cerebral palsy and learning difficulties, was cared for by his parents, Vivien and Alan.

Then in October 2021, Alan was diagnosed with lung cancer.

The doctors initially told Alan that although the cancer was terminal, it could be ‘managed’. He underwent his first round of chemotherapy in November 2021 but sadly died 10 days later. He was 62.

The family were shocked and devastated, especially Nialle, who found it difficult to control his emotions at the sudden death of his dad.

Desperate to find help for her grieving son, Vivien asked Nialle’s care team if there was any counselling available for him. They suggested St Oswald’s Hospice.

Nialle has been attending 1:1 bereavement support at the hospice for over a year.

According to Vivien, it has helped Nialle to understand what has happened to his dad, but admits his grief “comes in waves.”

Leanne has painted a portrait of Nialle as a way for him to honour his dad.

“Nialle is really pleased to be part of Portraits with Purpose: Continuing Bonds and has enjoyed the whole project.”

Vivien, Nialle’s mum.

Nialle helped Leanne to paint the background of his portrait.

Our care: Bereavement Support