Horsham grandma’s Christmas card design accolade

Patricia Lawton, 81, who lives in Westlake House Care Home in Pondtail Road, will see her painted scene of a polar bear standing in the snow used on cards sent out by more than 200 Barchester care homes, and will also help raise money for Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

She is well-known at Westlake for her artistic talent and one of her paintings has pride of place in the home’s dining room. She was also the joint winner of Barchester’s Christmas card competition last year.

Patricia started painting whilst at school and has always kept it going as a hobby.

She said:“When my children were much younger I always enjoyed making things and painting with them and this has continued on with my grandchildren.

“Both of my daughters really enjoy painting to this day and my eldest is very good.

“After being one of the winners of last year’s Barchester ‘Design a Christmas card’ competition, I was truly honoured to be asked to design the 2014 Barchester Christmas Card.”

Jo March, general manager at Westlake House said: “I am thrilled that Patricia has been selected for the second year running to design this year’s Christmas card.

“She is a real inspiration and we are so proud to have such active and talented residents at Westlake House.”

Barchester employs almost 17,000 people to care for more than 10,000 people at more than 200 locations in the UK.

It is the only care provider listed in The Sunday Times 25 Best Big Companies To Work For 2014 and are certified as one of Britain’s Top Employers for 2014.

For more information visit its website at www.barchester.com