Global superstars have backed a fundraising campaign for the Christchurch-based Macmillan Unit.

Members of the band Take That, Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, are the latest celebrities to support the Canvas for the Mac campaign, organised by Christchurch-based Macmillan Caring Locally.

Each celebrity involved in the campaign has provided a signature, a sketch or lyrics which has been ‘bought to life’ on canvas by artists.

West Dorset based artist Elizabeth Sporne has transformed the signatures from Take That into stunning portraits. The artist saw the band live at the O2, before being given the opportunity to paint them.

Bournemouth Echo:

“I don’t know whether I’ve captured their real characters,” she said. “Howard has a far-away look in his eyes and a definite twinkle as well. While Gary and Mark both have cheeky smiles. Several ladies I know have developed a bit of a crush.”

Elizabeth knows the importance of the work that hospices carry out, as her father spent the last weeks of his life in Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester.

“The opportunity to help Macmillan Caring Locally a bit with my art was something I didn’t want to pass up,” she said. “Dad would have been right behind me.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Three canvases signed by the entire AFC Bournemouth women’s team are also available in the auction.

Other celebrities that are involved in the auction include England men’s football manager Gareth Southgate and player Marcus Rashford, England Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, TV stars Ant and Dec, guitarist from Queen Brian May and Comedian Ricky Gervais.

Additional canvases have been donated to the cause by both local and national artists. All celebrity canvases are accompanied with a certificate of authenticity, and, where possible, a photograph of the celebrity creating them.

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The bidding is now open for all canvases online, with the auction ending on December 8. To enter the auction, visit: https://www.the-saleroom.com/.../catalogue-id-excali10074...