Fundraising war veteran inspires Leslie artist

A Leslie artist is among those who have been inspired by the fundraising efforts of a war veteran, who turns 100 today (Thursday).

Kyle Page has drawn a stunning image of Captain Tom Moore alongside the silhouettes of soldiers,the Red Arrows and a thank you message for NHS staff.

Captain Moore has raised almost £30 million in recent weeks for the NHS by completing 100 lengths of his 25-metre long back garden ahead of his 100th birthday.

And his story has been shared across the country with him appearing all over the media for his efforts and for completely smashing his original fundraising target.

The 24-year-old told the Press: “I just thought he was an inspiration for a lot of people around the UK.

“There are people in more privileged positions who are having breakdowns over the situation, but there are people like him approaching 100 who are going out their way to do something about it

“The idea was that the soldiers were his old commrades’ spirits saluting him for what he’s doing.

“The rainbow above from the Red Arrows ties in with the rainbows a lot of kids have been drawing for the NHS and putting in their windows.”

Kyle admits he never really stuck in at school and his art really came to the fore after he drew a picture of Conor McGregor the UFC fighter in 2017.

The former Glenwood High pupil said: “I posted it on Facebook and it went viral. I got over 500 likes and people started messaging me after that asking if I could draw their dogs and kids and things have gone from there.

“I’ve got my own Facebook page - Kyle Page Artwork - and I’ve reached 7000 followers.

“It’s more than just a hobby now, I’m earning money from it.”

Kyle says his talent must run in the family as both his dad and his grandad are good artists.

He’s now considering using his art to become a tattooist in future.