Photo: one example of Holly's artwork, tuition paid for by the grant. Please meet PotTerry!

​HOLLY
Holly was awarded the Mark Dower Trust grant in early 2018, to contribute towards funding art classes and workshops. Holly is a professional painter, working in her gallery in Norwich and selling her artwork that incorporates her ataxic symptoms into her style. Below, she tells us about what winning the award has given her.

'I’m so unbelievably grateful to be awarded the Mark Dower Trust this year. It has enabled me to discover a new art form: pottery, which I have never done before. I have so enjoyed finding out different ways to express myself through my art.
It was also really lovely to change up my routine: one day a week I was able to do something different, but equally creative to my usual work. I found the whole experience really relaxing and therapeutic. For anyone who has not tried throwing on a pottery wheel, I really recommend it! Through the medium of pottery, I was able to create art which wasn’t defined by my disability. Similarly with art – there is no direct link with ataxia, which is why I see art as a form of escapism, and a form of self-expression that’s independent of ataxia. The Mark Dower Trust grant has allowed me to explore this all the more, and add another skill and passion to my practice. I would 100% recommend anyone from the 16-30's group to apply for the grant!'
​
​

PIERS
​In 2018, Piers won a portion of the Mark Dower grant to pay for an iPad Pro; Piers is studying illustration at university, and the iPad Pro accommodates his tremor caused by ataxia. Below, Piers tell us more about how the grant has supported him.

'My name is Piers Schofield and I am a student studying Illustration at the University of Huddersfield. I am currently at the end of my second year. I really enjoyed my first year, because of the new facilities and equipment that I got to try out, and I excelled at my studies, having earned a high 2:1 grade for the year which I was really proud of.

I was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia when I was 16 and in recent times, the condition has started to have an impact on the quality of my work. When I put this issue forward to one of my tutors, he suggested I have a go at using a drawing tablet to draw and make art. I found it really easy to draw on and was able to be more precise and more able to correct any mistakes without spoiling the piece.

After weeks of using a tablet, I decided that I wanted one of my own. I did some research into which tablet would be most suitable for me, and eventually I decided on the iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil. Being a student, however, meant I didn’t have the means to fund it myself.

I had managed to save up a third of the costs on my own before realising it would take me almost another year to save up the rest. It was my mum who suggested having a look at applying for a grant from the Mark Dower Trust, to seek help for the remainder. The application process was straight forward; everything I needed to include in my application was clearly pointed out. In the final few days of February, I was delighted to receive a letter confirming my application had been approved and within the fortnight, I received my iPad Pro and Pencil. Having the iPad has made a huge positive impact on my work. Now, I am able to make art using different techniques and transfer images to my computer, which saves me having to scan a drawing. The Pencil makes it possible for me to be precise with my work and produce more clear and high standard pieces. As well as a drawing tablet, I am able to use it as a laptop, being able to write my essays and PowerPoint presentations on it. I can also use it for communication, such as emails and social media. Everything I need as a student is in this one tablet, and I am so very grateful to the Mark Dower Trust for helping me to get it.'
​

​

---

Grant recipients 2017

​​
​In 2017, the Mark Dower Trust teamed up with Orpheus college to provide two grants. Please see below a description of Orpheus' work and profiles of our recipients; Josh and Laurie. ​Orpheus is an independent specialist college in Surrey that increases the confidence and skills of young disabled adults through the performing arts. They believe that every young disabled person should have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers.

Josh graduated from Orpheus this year and has now moved into his own flat in Caterham. Since leaving the college he has been busy settling in and he plans to be an active member of his new community. Josh enjoys being a member of Stopgap Youth Dance Company and Freewheelers Theatre Company. He is looking forward to attending these again when the new term kicks off in September. He will also be volunteering at Knights Garden Centre weekly. The Mark Dower Trust will be supporting Josh by offering him £620 towards his transport costs for the year.

​Laurie also graduated from the Orpheus Centre this summer and is looking forward to moving into his own flat shortly. Laurie has been relying on using the computers at the college, however moving on from Orpheus he has decided it is time he had his own laptop. Having his own laptop would allow Laurie to organise his own transport, create plans for activities with the charity, Whizz-Kidz, where he volunteers, and to keep in touch with his friends. The Mark Dower Trust will be supporting Laurie by offering him £300 towards his new HP laptop.