Young talent is praised by star

29 October 2020

The winners of a young people’s art competition at the Royal Free London’s hospitals have been judged by a panel including the actor Benedict Cumberbatch and opera and theatre director Sophie Hunter. Both attended a virtual prize-giving sponsored by the charity.

The Draw2020 art competition was launched by Dr Victoria Dublon, a paediatrician, to help lift the spirits of young people being treated at the Royal Free’s hospitals, and was extended to young people across the local area.

On 20 October Benedict and Sophie, who are married, helped celebrate the success of the winners in each category. Mr Cumberbatch commented on every prize-winning entry, drawing attention to details and asking the children about their ideas and techniques.

Zoe Oliver, young volunteer programme coordinator, who organised the prize-giving, said: “Everyone was very excited and a bit star struck at first but he and Sophie put everyone at their ease and the children really engaged with his comments. It was remarkable how relaxed everyone was and how smoothly it all went, despite being a virtual event.”

All the winners will receive hand-written cards from Sophie and Benedict, with other fun prizes. Their work will be incorporated into an installation to be displayed in the Royal Free Hospital’s paediatric department.

Here are our winning entries.

Winners of the 0-5 years category:

Winners of the 6-11 years category:

Winners of the 12-18 years category: