Face of South Yorkshire nurse is a symbol of hope in art campaign

Rachel Beal was given the royal portrait treatment by painter Sue Clayton after Rachel’s husband, Greg, heard about the #portraitsfornhsheroes campaign launched in April by artist Tom Croft.

Sue said: “I was delighted to get the request within two minutes of posting the offer on social media, and the photos sent over showed Rachel as a vibrant, young, positive nurse.”

She added: “This was the gal I would want by my bedside in ICU. She appeared to have a cheerful glint in her eyes and a smile to give hope.

"I felt a connection as two Yorkshire lasses whose glass is always half full.”

Sue’s response was to produce an expressive portrait.

She said: “It’s perhaps strange considering these strange, sad times, when many fantastic portraits have been created showing masked nurses, fatigue and sadness etched in their eyes.

“I wanted to show the strength of human kindness and that hope still shines through.”

She added: “I wanted Rachel to be surrounded by free, bright, colourful brushstrokes symbolising her energy, vitality and hope.”

Both Rachel and Greg were thrilled with the result, which Sue has posted to them.

Rachel said: “It's more than amazing. During these terrifying times, I find hope in the smallest of human gestures, which gives me the strength to keep smiling and caring and sharing positivity.”