Background Bob raises £100,000 for Colchester Hospital

Hundreds of colourful paintings by 12-year-old Noah, which were created with artists from across the globe, were sold in a week-long eBay auction which raised an astounding £81,300.

Coupled with the £18,000 from book sales of Background Bob and his Amazing Friends and other donations, in total Noah broken through the £100,000 mark.

Incredible - a piece of art from the project 

Nathan Jones, Noah’s dad, said: “We were completely astounded with the final result.

“The bidding really took off over the weekend and it was slightly surreal to watch how much the final bids increased in the final seconds.

“It’s something we will never forget.”

Noah, who has cerebral palsy, loves to paint at his home in Dedham and his dad reached out to artists during the first national lockdown to get on board with his son’s art project.

Nathan said: “We’ve had so much fun and have made loads of new friends along the way, but most importantly it’s been a hugely positive experience for Noah.

“We are touched that so many people got on board with us. Everyone has been unbelievably generous and supportive.”

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who worked with us behind the scenes to make the book, art exhibition at Firstsite in Colchester and eBay auction such a success.

“And of course there are all the buyers and bidders that raised an unimaginable amount of money. Without them, none of this would have happened. Thank you again.Noah’s family has donated the money to the Children’s Department at Colchester Hospital where Noah has received treatment since he was born.

Amy Bruce, matron of children’s services at Colchester Hospital, said: “This is truly fantastic and everyone from the department would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to Noah, his family, all the artists and absolutely everyone who took part.

“We haven’t made final arrangements as to what they money will be spent on yet, but we are investigating the possibility of completely refurbishing our sensory room and making some significant improvements to the garden too.”

Proud - Noah following the auction 

“Both these areas are fundamental resources to relax and stimulate the children in our care and will have a big positive impact on all the children who need our services.”

The artworks are now on their way to the winning bidders around the world.

The idea for Background Bob was born last spring when Noah painted colourful backgrounds onto card before the artist added their signature style on top.

The designs quickly caught on, with more than 200 artists and celebrities taking part, including Mason Storm, My Dog Sighs, The London Police, Freeman, Suzanne Phillips, Ange Bell, Heath Kane and comedian Phill Jupitus.

Visit @background_bob on Instagram.