Latest news with #ColinDavidson
North Wales Live
17 hours ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
Powerful portrait revealed to hail Britain's invisible unpaid carers
Unpaid carers provide care worth a staggering £184 billion every year, yet many feel invisible and undervalued, with over half (55%) wanting more recognition from the public. To highlight the incredible yet often overlooked contributions carers make to society, a powerfully unfiltered depiction of unpaid carers in the UK has today been unveiled. Created by critically acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, known for his portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, former US President Bill Clinton, and musician Ed Sheeran, Specsavers Home Visits and Carers UK's 'The Most Valuable Portrait' has been assigned a symbolic value of £184 billion by Roseberys, a leading London fine art auction house. This valuation is equivalent to the estimated economic value of support provided by unpaid carers in the UK and comparable to the cost of a second NHS, underscoring the immense value of the care that UK carers provide to a family member or friend who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older. While the striking portrait features the face of Jaycee La Bouche, who cares for her mother, it also represents the myriad of British carers and their experiences. In developing the portrait, Colin Davidson listened to the stories and experiences of numerous carers, ensuring their voices were captured in his work. 'It was an honour to create 'The Most Valuable Portrait'. This artwork is not just about one person; it represents all the unpaid carers who deserve to be seen and valued. For me, it was a special commission to capture these unsung heroes who contribute as much to society as the celebrated public figures I typically paint', Davidson said. The artwork aims to raise awareness and promote public recognition of the love, selfless hard work, and dedication of unpaid carers across the UK. This is seen by Specsavers Home Visits colleagues each and every day, as they deliver eye care and hearing services to those who cannot leave their home unaccompanied. A Specsavers Home Visits director, Chris Smith, explains: 'Our Home Visits colleagues are in people's homes every day seeing first-hand the incredible support carers give to their loved ones. We recognise that caring for someone with a physical or mental illness often means making extra arrangements to meet their health needs. It's so important unpaid carers and their loved ones get the support and also the recognition they deserve.' Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, comments: 'Without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would collapse. Carers UK is excited to be part of 'The Most Valuable Portrait', working with Specsavers Home Visits to raise awareness and put carers' stories in the spotlight. We want to see greater acknowledgment for the true value of unpaid care, a lifeline for many that often goes unrecognised.' Latest data suggests that around 1 in 10 people in England and Wales are unpaid carers, but the true figure is much higher, as many do not immediately recognise themselves as carers. In fact, over a third (36%) take more than three years to realise they have become a carer meaning they may be missing out on vital support available to them. A staggering 82% of carers surveyed by Carers UK said the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge over the coming year, with nearly 60% adding that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing. The subject of the portrait, UK carer Jaycee La Bouche says: 'It is such an honour to have had my story and experience as a carer immortalised in a portrait, which was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery and now on public display at South Bank in London. Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me; and one I embrace wholeheartedly. Home services like Specsavers' eye tests are invaluable in ensuring people like my mother who cannot leave their home without help, can still receive the care they need.' William Summerfield, Associate Director & Head of Modern British & 20th Century Art at Roseberys, who valued the artwork, comments, "This extraordinary symbolic valuation reflects the immense, yet often overlooked, worth of care in our society. It serves as a powerful tribute to the vital contributions of carers who so often remain hidden.' Specsavers Home Visits understands the challenges of caring for someone. If the family member or friend they care for is eligible, its team of experts will provide a comprehensive free NHS-funded eye test in the comfort of their own home, with all the same care and expertise as you would receive in-store. Specsavers also now offers a home hearing visit service in selected parts of the country. Chris Smith adds: 'For many, organising a trip to the opticians or to see a hearing expert for the person they care for can feel like a real challenge – but it doesn't have to be. Through our Home Visits service, we support carers by bringing these vital services directly to their loved one's homes, making the process easier and more accessible.'
Wales Online
18 hours ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Powerful portrait revealed to hail Britain's invisible unpaid carers
Powerful portrait revealed to hail Britain's invisible unpaid carers To highlight the incredible yet often overlooked contributions carers make to society, a powerfully unfiltered depiction of unpaid carers in the UK has been unveiled. *** FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE *** 'The Most Valuable Portrait', unveiled by Specsavers Home Visits and Carers UK. The portrait features Jaycee La Bouche, an unpaid carer, and is symbolically valued at £184 billion - the same amount as the unpaid care system in the UK. (Image: PinPep ) Unpaid carers provide care worth a staggering £184 billion every year, yet many feel invisible and undervalued, with over half (55%) wanting more recognition from the public. To highlight the incredible yet often overlooked contributions carers make to society, a powerfully unfiltered depiction of unpaid carers in the UK has today been unveiled. Created by critically acclaimed artist Colin Davidson, known for his portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, former US President Bill Clinton, and musician Ed Sheeran, Specsavers Home Visits and Carers UK's 'The Most Valuable Portrait' has been assigned a symbolic value of £184 billion by Roseberys, a leading London fine art auction house. Specsavers and Carers UK - The Most Valuable Portrait This valuation is equivalent to the estimated economic value of support provided by unpaid carers in the UK and comparable to the cost of a second NHS, underscoring the immense value of the care that UK carers provide to a family member or friend who is disabled, has an illness or long-term condition, or who needs extra help as they grow older. While the striking portrait features the face of Jaycee La Bouche, who cares for her mother, it also represents the myriad of British carers and their experiences. Article continues below In developing the portrait, Colin Davidson listened to the stories and experiences of numerous carers, ensuring their voices were captured in his work. 'It was an honour to create 'The Most Valuable Portrait'. This artwork is not just about one person; it represents all the unpaid carers who deserve to be seen and valued. For me, it was a special commission to capture these unsung heroes who contribute as much to society as the celebrated public figures I typically paint', Davidson said. The artwork aims to raise awareness and promote public recognition of the love, selfless hard work, and dedication of unpaid carers across the UK. This is seen by Specsavers Home Visits colleagues each and every day, as they deliver eye care and hearing services to those who cannot leave their home unaccompanied. A Specsavers Home Visits director, Chris Smith, explains: 'Our Home Visits colleagues are in people's homes every day seeing first-hand the incredible support carers give to their loved ones. We recognise that caring for someone with a physical or mental illness often means making extra arrangements to meet their health needs. It's so important unpaid carers and their loved ones get the support and also the recognition they deserve.' Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, comments: 'Without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would collapse. Carers UK is excited to be part of 'The Most Valuable Portrait', working with Specsavers Home Visits to raise awareness and put carers' stories in the spotlight. We want to see greater acknowledgment for the true value of unpaid care, a lifeline for many that often goes unrecognised.' Latest data suggests that around 1 in 10 people in England and Wales are unpaid carers, but the true figure is much higher, as many do not immediately recognise themselves as carers. In fact, over a third (36%) take more than three years to realise they have become a carer meaning they may be missing out on vital support available to them. A staggering 82% of carers surveyed by Carers UK said the impact of caring on their physical and mental health would be a challenge over the coming year, with nearly 60% adding that being valued as a carer would improve their wellbeing. The subject of the portrait, UK carer Jaycee La Bouche says: 'It is such an honour to have had my story and experience as a carer immortalised in a portrait, which was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery and now on public display at South Bank in London. Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me; and one I embrace wholeheartedly. Home services like Specsavers' eye tests are invaluable in ensuring people like my mother who cannot leave their home without help, can still receive the care they need.' William Summerfield, Associate Director & Head of Modern British & 20th Century Art at Roseberys, who valued the artwork, comments, "This extraordinary symbolic valuation reflects the immense, yet often overlooked, worth of care in our society. It serves as a powerful tribute to the vital contributions of carers who so often remain hidden.' Article continues below Specsavers Home Visits understands the challenges of caring for someone. If the family member or friend they care for is eligible, its team of experts will provide a comprehensive free NHS-funded eye test in the comfort of their own home, with all the same care and expertise as you would receive in-store. Specsavers also now offers a home hearing visit service in selected parts of the country. Chris Smith adds: 'For many, organising a trip to the opticians or to see a hearing expert for the person they care for can feel like a real challenge – but it doesn't have to be. Through our Home Visits service, we support carers by bringing these vital services directly to their loved one's homes, making the process easier and more accessible.'
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
One in 11 UK adults are unpaid carers - and the majority feel undervalued
A study of more than 13,000 carers found it takes a third more than three years to realise they are carers at all. In the UK, one in 11 individuals provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, elderly or disabled, a contribution estimated to be worth £184 billion annually. However, the actual figure could be even higher, as research involving over 13,000 carers reveals that 36% take more than three years to recognise their role as carers. Despite their significant contribution, 55% of carers still feel undervalued. To highlight their dedication, Specsavers Home Visits has teamed up with charity Carers UK and artist Colin Davidson to reveal The Most Valuable Portrait. Symbolically valued at £184 billion by auction house Roseberys, the portrait features carer Jaycee La Bouche, who cares for her mother, serving as a powerful tribute to the millions of carers across Britain. Chris Smith, a director of Specsavers Home Visits service for those unable to access a store unaccompanied, commented: "Our colleagues are in people's homes every day, seeing first-hand the incredible support carers give to their loved ones. "We recognise that caring for someone with a physical or mental illness often means making extra arrangements to meet their health needs. It's so important unpaid carers and their loved ones get the support – and the recognition – they deserve." Colin Davidson, renowned for his portraits of the late Queen Elizabeth II, former US President Bill Clinton, and musician Ed Sheeran, said: "It was an honour to create The Most Valuable Portrait." This artwork is not just about one person; it represents all the unpaid carers who deserve to be seen and valued. For me, it was a special commission to capture these unsung heroes, who contribute as much to society as the celebrated public figures I typically paint." A staggering eight out of ten carers believe that the toll of their role on their physical and mental health will be an escalating issue in the coming year. The subject of the portrait, Jaycee La Bouche, expressed: "It is such an honour to have had my story and experience as a carer immortalised in a portrait." She added: "Caring for my mother has always been a natural choice for me, and one I embrace wholeheartedly." Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, added: "Without unpaid carers, our health and social care system would collapse. We are excited to be part of The Most Valuable Portrait to raise awareness and put carers' stories in the spotlight. "We want to see greater acknowledgment of the true value of unpaid care-a lifeline for many that often goes unrecognised." The portrait, which was unveiled at the Saatchi Gallery is now on public display at London's South Bank at Observation Point until Sunday 1 June, and will be available to purchase via an online auction with all proceeds going to Carers UK.
The Herald Scotland
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Commentator Ian Crocker on 30 years as voice of Scottish football
For Ian Crocker season 2024/25 will end the same way as so many have in recent years. Stuck behind a caravan on a single carriageway of the A9 on the road north to Dingwall for a Premiership play-off. The first-ever play-off between Aberdeen and Dunfermline marked his first exposure to Scottish football. That was 30 years ago this week and Sky Sports' lead commentator marked the occasion by prepping for the first leg draw between Livingston and Ross County. The voice of Scottish football, that's his life now. 'I started doing the prep for the latest play-off last week and it said that the first one was 30 years ago,' he tells Herald Sport. 'I wondered what date that was and realised it was Aberdeen v Dunfermline, my first game in Scotland. 'Colin Davidson was at Sky then and I started doing bits and bobs for them. Grampian TV were actually covering that game live and didn't have a commentator, so Colin put me forward for it. 'That was the start of something. I never thought I'd still be talking nonsense about Scottish football three decades later.' Born in Dorset, Crocker's slow creep north began as a tannoy announced with West Ham United, the team he supports. Working in an office job for the BBC his broadcasting breakthrough came with Capital Radio in London. Working with Jonathan Pierce and Steve Wilson - now BBC Match of the Day commentators – he moved to Birmingham to cover the Midlands beat when big Ron Atkinson, Barry Fry and the late Graham Taylor were in their managerial pomp. His final, life-changing move took him to Scotland with Sky Sports and Setanta. 'I always worked for Scottish bosses through the years. A guy called Andy Melvin, who used to be at STV years ago, was deputy director of Sky Sports and he asked if I would fancy doing the SPL as it was then? 'I thought, 'why not' and by 1998 I had worked my way up the country from Dorset, where I was born, to London, to Birmingham to Glasgow. It's been fantastic and I do love it. 'We all know what it's about. The passion of the players and the fans. 'I get a bit of stick on the socials, but when I actually meet people out and about people are pretty kind in terms of remembering lines I used, which is quite humbling. 'But that's your job. If there is going to be something major happening in football you want to come up with a line that kind of covers it. And hopefully I have managed to do that a few days over the years.' Big games tee up big memories. His first calling card in Scottish football came when Martin O'Neill's first Old Firm game as Celtic manager ended in a 6-2 thrashing of Rangers, Henrik Larsson chipping a sublime effort over Stefan Klos for the goal of the game. 'I said, 'that is sensational', which it was. To this day people still come up to me and shout that at me. 'I was actually walking through Glasgow Central one day when this guy came up and started shouting 'that is sensational' at me, much to the bemusement of commuters in the station at the time. 'I had a similar one when Rangers beat Celtic in the cup final in 2002 and Peter Lovenkrands scored the winner in injury time. 'Just before Neil McCann hooked the cross in I said, 'is there going to be a twist in the tale?' 'Obviously there was - which is great. But I must have said that line a hundred times when absolutely nothing happened. It was good that it came off for once…' While Weymouth and West Ham were his first – his only – footballing loves fans in Scotland find it infuriatingly difficult to set suspicion to one side. After any game involving Celtic or Rangers his inflection, enthusiasm for goals, or description of opponents is scrutinised with a forensic intensity for evidence of latent bias. After moving the family home to the banks of Loch Lomond five years ago he has learned to live with it. Read more: 'It does make me laugh when I see one tweet saying, 'ah he's a Rangers man' beside another saying, 'no, no, he's a big Celtic man. 'A lot of the time you get people saying, 'you sounded more exciting for their goal than ours.' 'It's total and utter nonsense. Sometimes you might not go full pelt on a goal because you are wondering who scored it or it's an own goal. 'It's part of the territory, it will never change and you get used to it. 'I tell people I support my hometown of Weymouth or West Ham they look puzzled and say, 'yeah but what Scottish team do you support?…' Over the three decades, colleagues became friends. He keeps in touch by text with Davie Provan, the former Celtic and Scotland winger who provided intelligent and insightful co-commentaries until he retired to Spain. Andy Walker, the former Parkhead striker, became another pal through work – the pair working together at yesterday's game between Newcastle and Everton at St James' Park. 'Me and Davie just got on from day one. I hate commentators who crush each other, which seems to be a more common theme these days. 'After Davie, Andy Walker took over and we just became good friends. 'Both of those guys are just very good at what they do. The actual analysis is harder than the commentary because I'm just shouting out names while they have to figure out what's right and what's wrong and why a goal was disallowed.' Wary of any accusations of being a little too close to former Celtic players, he quickly name checks a legendary late Rangers figure as the manager he had the privilege of befriending and plugging for teamlines on the morning of games. 'Walter Smith used to say, 'ring me at 8.30am' and he would fill me in on injuries and why they were injured etc. 'I'd probably still be on the phone to him at 9am before saying, 'right I have to go to a game now.' 'Walter was different class to deal with and Craig Brown was the same with Scotland and Preston. 'The chats with Walter were fantastic. These days it's a bit harder to get managers to give you the team and I kind of get that with the pressure they're under these days. 'But I always felt if Walter could trust me that was a decent recommendation but, lovely a guy as he was, I wouldn't have wanted to cross him. 'I bumped into him at a game at Rangers a couple of years after he retired and I saw him in the tunnel where he said to me, 'one of the worst things about not being involved in the game anymore is that I f***** well have to listen to you on the telly now….'
Belfast Telegraph
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast student's artwork to be displayed in station after competition win: ‘It'll be crazy to walk past it'
Not only is the 20-year-old a little richer; she's also going to see her work on display at one of Northern Ireland's busiest stations. It follows a collaboration between Belfast School of Art and Translink to create a unique piece of student art for permanent exhibition at York Street Station — affectionately known as 'The Student's Station' — with Katye-Louise securing the top prize. 'My vision was an oil painting of numerous people reflected against the glass of a train window, as well as people sitting inside the train,' she said. Her winning work comprises reflections in the window of a train. 'There's a woman sitting in the train and lots of overlapping figures on the glass,' she said. 'It's a reference to transport and travel being the one area where so many people from different walks of life come together and share the same overlapping experience for a particular moment in time.' Katye-Louise, from the New Lodge area, said the aim of the piece was to encourage public transport and promote sustainable travel, while also capturing the sense of connection that public transport creates — linking lives, stories, and communities across the country. She said being from the local area helped inspire her. 'The New lodge is just five minutes away from York Street Station,' she said. 'My family and I have used this and previous stations at Yorkgate/York Road often and I remember getting the train a lot in my childhood to go to Portrush or Bangor. 'Being local, and understanding the history of this area and the other areas surrounding York Street Station, I wanted to create a piece that reflects all communities; something everyone can see themselves in.' Katye-Louise, who works part-time at Belfast's Europa Hotel, said local artist Colin Davidson was a key influence in her creative process. 'Aesthetically, the style is loosely based on Colin Davidson's reflection paintings,' she said. 'I had the opportunity of seeing one of these paintings in person and I was mesmerised by it.' She also referred to his 'powerful' Silent Testimony exhibition — the stories of 18 people connected by their individual experiences of loss through the Troubles. 'When you walked into the gallery, you could cut the atmosphere with a knife,' she said. 'That's what I want to do with art too. When people look at my work, I want them to feel something. I want it to make a difference.' Her mum Claire (42), an operations manager, and her recruiter stepdad Nicky (40) are both 'so proud' of her for turning her winning concept into reality. So too is her baby sister Lailah, who's one year old, and the subject of her ongoing art coursework at university. Colin Davidson also praised her winning efforts. 'As Chancellor of Ulster University, I am immensely proud that Katye-Louise's work will grace the walls of Belfast's impressive York Street Station,' he said. The former Belfast Royal Academy pupil said her painting also aims to show that public transport is a great leveller. 'A bus or train can be the only way some people's lives overlap,' she said. 'Even though everyone is always on their own life journey, there are some points in time where people might be going the same way.' Katye-Louise said she often takes the train to Lurgan to visit her 20-year-old boyfriend, Kacper Szymczak, who's originally from Poland. She said he has been a source of great encouragement when it comes to her art, so it's perhaps fitting that she'll pass her painting every time she's on her way to see him. 'It'll be crazy to walk past my piece when I'm going through the station,' she said. 'When they announced that I was the winner I couldn't breathe or walk or move. It all felt so surreal.' Winning the competition came with a professional fee and materials support, reflecting real-world practice. Translink and Ulster University jointly contributed £1,500 to fund the commission.' £800 of it has already been spent on materials for her creation. Katye-Louise said she'll put the rest into a savings account, while she deliberates over whether to buy new products or go on a well-earned holiday. 'I like the idea of travelling to France and Italy to visit some of the galleries and get more inspiration,' she said. 'Then again, I might just buy some more art supplies.' Unsurprisingly, her dream job is to be a full-time artist. Although she was advised to consider doing a business degree, Katye-Louise opted for art instead and she's never looked back. 'You have to do what you love in life,' she said. 'You're only here once.'
