An elderly Hemel Hempstead artist with dementia organised an art exhibition with his paintings and raised over £1,450 for the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted.
David Moore, 85, resides at the Water Mill House Care Home in Hemel, which is also where the exhibition took place earlier this month.
David was a talented motorcycle ace leading up to the 70s – he won many events and took part in the Isle of Mann TT race three times.
In 1970s he broke his ankle, which stopped him from racing, but gave him time to find a new passion – painting.
The Hospice of St Francis is dear to the family as it is where David’s wife Edna was cared for before she passed away.
Beside the paintings, the exhibition in Hemel also showcased a rare vintage 250 NSU motorcycle, which was raced and restored by David.
Family and friends from all over the country attended the exhibition. In the photo above, David is pictured with his daughter Jules Leyland and his son Colin Moore.
Local motorcyclists also came to support David, one of them was his racing friend Steffen Rosen, who came from Sweden.
Manager of Water Mill House Care Noelia Fernandes, said: “This was so exciting for all involved. David is a wonderful artist.
Although he is living with dementia now, we hope this weekend’s exhibition of his work will have stirred some wonderful memories for him.”
Jules Leyland, David’s daughter was happy to see the two most important things for her dad coming together.
She said: “He sold over 30 paintings and raised a huge sum for the hospice, he had a wonderful party with his closest friends and family.
It was truly an unforgettable and totally special weekend for us all. Thanks to all the brilliant staff at Water Mill House for making this possible.”
He also took part in motorcycle ‘parades’ until 2017, competing at the highest level alongside legends like John Surtees and Mike Hailwood.
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