A nine-year-old girl living with leukaemia had her day made when Princess Beatrice made a special visit to her art exhibition at Christie’s in London.
Poppy Blackburn, who was diagnosed with blood cancer at the age of three, had her dream come true when the London gallery agreed to display her artworks through Art of Wishes, a fundraising initiative supporting charity Make-A-Wish UK.
Princess Beatrice heard about Poppy’s wish at the Art of Wishes Gala last year and wanted to meet the nine-year-old and view her artwork.
The 35-year-old today surprised Poppy and her family at Christie’s, where Poppy gave Beatrice a special tour of the exhibition.
Beatrice, whose mother, Sarah Ferguson, has recently grappled with breast cancer and skin cancer, was pictured giving the young artist a warm hug.
The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of York cut an elegant figure for the occasion and donned a pleated black satin skirt and chic blazer with statement gold buttons.
After embracing the nine-year-old who is living with leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, Beatrice smiled for a photograph with Poppy’s family, including her mother, Stephanie, sister, Daisy, and founder of Art of Wishes, Batia Ofer.
The exhibition, which opens to the public for one week in May, includes 28 of Poppy’s paintings that visualise her cancer journey.
In addition to her paintings, Poppy also displayed her Beads of Courage, with every bead representing a hospital visit, overnight stay, or form of treatment.
Poppy spent most of her early years in the hospital after she was diagnosed with leukaemia at age three.
Art offered an escape for Poppy when many of her peers were enjoying school. Her mother, Stephanie, explained: ‘[Art] took her out of the hospital room and into her imagination.’
When Poppy discovered she was eligible for a wish, she instantly knew she wanted to share her art.
Through the charity, Poppy was able to spend time with artists Chantal Joffe, Ben Lowe, and Hannah Shergold to prepare for the exhibition.
‘Being invited into their studios was so personal. Poppy walked in and got to work immediately,’ Stephanie said.
She added: ‘Chantal, Ben, and Hannah made her feel so welcome – within minutes she was pouring paint onto canvases.’
For an additional surprise, one of Poppy’s favourite artists, David Hockney, also heard about Poppy’s story and sent her some gifts and a signed book.
‘The wish experience has been incredible for her, she’s grown in self-belief and is happy to discuss her time in hospital,’ Stephanie said.
She added: ‘The wish will mark a time in her life when Poppy can truly be herself, as she delves into a world of art and imagination.’
To say thanks, Poppy raised funds for Make-A-Wish by selling 18 of her original works and limited edition prints at an online auction, which made £8,500 to help grant more wishes for critically ill children.
Batia Ofer, founder and chair of Art of Wishes, commented: ‘I am delighted and honoured to support this incredible exhibition and wish.
‘Poppy is such an inspiring, talented young artist and her wish symbolises the power of art and wishes in bringing optimism and joy to children when they need it most.’
Art of Wishes has raised funds for Make-A-Wish UK since 2017 and has made over £12 million through fundraising events and art auctions featuring artists such as Tracy Emin, Jenny Saville and Jadé Fadojutimi.
