A WIRRAL artist who refused to let his illness put an end to his passion has been named as the winner of a national Christmas card competition.

John Lea, from Bebington, died in October after suffering a stroke five years ago.

But the 81-year-old lives on this Christmas with his painting ‘Waiting For Santa’, which will feature on cards printed by the Stroke Association.

Following his stroke, John joined a Stroke Association Voluntary Art Group – based at Harvest Court in Moreton – and attended each weekly meeting no matter what.

Although he had aphasia and weakness in his right side, John learnt to paint and draw just as beautifully with his left hand.

Wendy Kay, from the Stroke Association, said: “Art groups can help stroke survivors build on their confidence and express themselves in new ways.

“John was a group member for many years and his wife, Alice, and four children are very proud of his work.

“They have now framed a number of his landscapes, which take pride of place for all to see.”

Sending a Stroke Association Christmas card, like the one designed by John, can help to create awareness of stroke and help the charity to provide vital services, invest in research and support thousands of stroke survivors across the UK.

The cards are available in packs of 10, priced at £3.95. All proceeds go to the Stroke Association.

For telephone orders or for more information, call 01233 214 32 or visit stroke.org.uk