An online art auction is aiming to raise money for Hexham charity Blue Spirit. 

Laury Gratiet, 21, died in 2020, which prompted his mum Solen and godmother Nina to set up Blue Spirit, which grants sailing bursaries to young people experiencing mental health challenges or facing social or economic disadvantages. 

The art auction features the work of artists Bernard Quinn and Frank Kiely, with any contribution, large or small, going towards a life-enhancing - and possibly life-changing -experience for a young person who really needs it.

Bernard Quinn is a celebrated artist from the North-East of England who currently works from his studio in the Orbis Community Studios complex in Gateshead.

He said: "The data around numbers and impacts of mental ill health is truly frightening. I know, I am one of those statistics. And it is getting worse, especially amongst young adults. The number of people aged 17-19 with probable mental ill health more than doubled between 2017 and 2023 (NHS 2023).

"I also know, from my previous work with young adults, how outdoor adventure-based activities, carefully programmed, can and do literally transform young adult lives, and I have seen the positive impacts stay with that person for years.

"Blue Spirit is such an important charity. It works in a field that is often not understood and mostly under-resourced. That is why I am happy to help by donating my paintings.

"I urge you to give your support to Blue Spirit through this auction or in any other way you can."

Frank Kiely studied at the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, The National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland and The Royal College of Art, London, UK.

He said: “Growing up is hard work and life can throw all sorts of challenges at us. It’s great to know there are people there to help you through the ups and downs, especially as a young person.”

Prices range between £25 and £450, with donations going towards three different experiences for young people.

£100 allows a young person to experience life on board Faramir or James Cook for one day as part of a residential sailing voyage.

£78 enables them to do a full day’s sailing activities at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.

£39 gives them half an activity day, dinghy-sailing which means they are out on the water for a full 2 hours of intensive hands-on sailing.

You can find the auction online here.