Donald’s Den | Mon – Sat 10am -4pm

I have struggled with Bipolar Disorder and social anxiety for much of my life. Going outside was incredibly challenging, and talking to strangers felt impossible. I found solace in walking along the beach, where the calming atmosphere helped my mind rest. During these walks, I began noticing and collecting rubbish, especially plastic along the tide line. Realising the extent of the problem, I decided to clean the beach more often and turn the discarded plastics into artwork, transforming something unwanted into something beautiful. Over time, these efforts not only helped the environment but also eased my anxiety, as small interactions with strangers thanking me or offering a kind word made me feel more comfortable outdoors.

With encouragement from my wife Amy, I started displaying my artwork and found incredible support from Emma and Gary at The Neighbourhood Store. Their belief in me enabled me to create unique pieces, including commissioned animals and sculptures, with some even finding homes as far away as Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand. Although a diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) made beach cleaning harder, I continued my mission by repurposing waste from charity shops and organisations like The Scrap Space. Through my art, I aim to highlight the issue of plastic waste and inspire others to make a difference, no matter how small. Kindness to the planet and each other remains at the core of my work.

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