Artist Clare Wright was delighted to see her ‘When Bella Met Bertie’ artwork – signed by Liverpool FC legend Sir Kenny Dalglish – raise £700 for Queenscourt Hospice at this year’s International Women’s Day celebration in Southport.
Clare is a renowned Southport-based artist who runs the Clare Wright Gallery on Lord Street, directly opposite The Grand, where International Women’s Day was being held.
She was joined by VIP guests including Lady Marina Dalglish MBE at the event which was organised by Queenscourt to raise funds for the charity.
There was huge excitement in the room as the beautiful artwork was auctioned off, with the highest bid submitted by EFT Systems Group Director Jordan Duggan, who was a headline speaker at the event.
Clare opened her first ever high street art gallery, the Clare Wright Gallery, in Southport in December 2024 and has continued to thrive since opening.
Clare Wright said: “International Women’s Day at The Grand was a really fabulous event!
“It was a really empowering, supportive day, and it was fantastic to see so many women and men from our community there to support the occasion and also to support Queenscourt.
“It was a really positive, uplifting atmosphere with lots of people making connections.
“I was delighted to see my artwork raise £700 for the hospice, a place I know where every penny makes a difference to the lives of local people.
“The new Liver Books range features Bella and Bertie, Liverpool’s famous Liver Birds, on book covers.
“It was very kind of Sir Kenny Dalglish to sign the artwork ahead of the event. Kenny and Marina have been huge supporters of Queenscourt Hospice for so many years, in addition to Marina’s incredible work running her own Marina Dalglish Appeal and Larks.
“People can see more of my range in my art gallery and also in Wine & Words by Watson, which is also on Lord Street.”
Like many families in our region, Clare has been moved by the compassionate care provided by Queenscourt Hospice.
She said: “This is the first time I have been to the International Women’s Day event organised by Queenscourt Hospice in Southport.
“I was impressed, it was a brilliant day. In recent years, I have attended the International Women’s Day event in Manchester with Julie Perry.
“I have my own personal reasons for wanting to support Queenscourt.
“Over 25 years ago one of my friends sadly passed away at Queenscourt.
“She was one of the mums at school and I have supported Queenscourt since then.
“Tragically, we lost a family member last year who was cared for by Queenscourt. Their care was amazing.
“On International Women’s Day we heard an amazing speech by Dr Karen Groves MBE who founded Queenscourt Hospice.
“She said so many people in our community will know someone who has been cared for by Queenscourt, while we all never know who will need care by Queenscourt in the future.
“God forbid anyone will need their services but they perform such a vital role in our community.
“Dr Groves’ speech was empowering and emotional. She is an absolute angel.”
EFT Systems Group Director Jordan Duggan said: “I was delighted to buy the artwork at the International Women’s Day auction because Clare Wright is an exceptional local artist, and this was a stunning piece of original art.
“I wanted to support Clare and also for us to raise as much money as we could for Queenscourt Hospice.”
International Women’s Day had a theme of Give To Gain this year as Queenscourt supporters enjoyed a fantastic day of fundraising at The Grand in Southport.
It was made possible through sponsorship from FPC, Churcher Estates and HFA Bridging & Commercial and supported by Stand Up For Southport.
Queenscourt Hospice is a local charity that provides support for the people of West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.
Queenscourt provides access to specialist palliative care either at home (including care homes), hospital or in Queenscourt via the Inpatient Unit or as an Outpatient. Queenscourt at Home supports patients, and those important to them, to be cared for in their own home, if that is their preference.
One of Britain’s most original and recognisable artists, Clare Wright has sold art to celebrities including Karen Brady, Jermaine Defoe, Sir Kenny Dalglish, Jack Wilshere, Theo Paphitis, Tracy Moore MBE and many others.
Her works include the stunning 9 metre high butterfly tree featuring 1,500 individual butterflies in the Oak Theatre at Scarisbrick Hall School near Southport.
Her business is thriving through her flair for contemporary colour, texture and diverse materials, liquid glass, metals and Swarovski crystal.
All Clare’s work is created by her alone at her workshops in Southport. Each piece is individually made and signed.
- For more details about Queenscourt Hospice please visit: Queenscourt Hospice | Where life is for living
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