Three generations of artistic talent from one local family are being brought together through art and community spirit, as the Holt family raises funds for Pendleside Hospice in memory of loved ones who have passed away, while also giving thanks for the ongoing care and support the Hospice provides.   

The Holt family’s connection to creativity spans generations. Michael Holt, his father Colin, his late brother Nigel, and their late grandfather Albert all shared a special talent for art. 

Each expressed their creativity in different ways, but all were united by a love of creating something meaningful with their hands.   

Although not all of the artists are still here, their work lives on and now their artwork is helping to support the Hospice that cared for Nigel at the end of his life and continues to support the Holt family today.  

Michael and his father Colin continue the family’s creative tradition. Michael specialises in steampunk-inspired artwork and pencil drawings, creating striking and imaginative pieces from reclaimed and discarded materials.   

What many people would consider junk, Michael transforms into detailed and thoughtful works of art, giving forgotten objects a new purpose and story.  

His brother Nigel, who sadly passed away at Pendleside Hospice, was also a gifted artist. Nigel’s passion lay in fantasy art, creating imaginative pieces inspired by storytelling and other worlds.  

Nigel used to sell his artwork to raise money for Pendleside Hospice, a cause that later became deeply personal to the family.  

Their grandfather Albert was also an artist and craftsman, making creativity a defining thread running through the Holt family.  

The family’s relationship with Pendleside Hospice began nine years ago, when Michaels father’s partner passed away at the Hospice.  

Six years later Michael and his wife Carole, who was diagnosed with dementia, first accessed support through one of the Hospice’s dementia peer support groups. At the time, they were looking for a group they could attend together, and at Pendleside they found comfort in meeting others facing similar challenges.  

Michael said: “We had looked for support elsewhere before coming across Pendleside’s peer support group. It was lovely to be able to come to a dementia group where everyone was of a similar age and in the same boat. The group brought us both comfort when we needed it most.”  

The dementia peer support group provided Michael and Carole with a safe, welcoming space where they could talk openly, share experiences, and feel less alone during a difficult and emotional period.  

Carole also accessed complementary therapy sessions at Pendleside Hospice, which offered moments of calm and emotional support when it was most needed.   

When Carole was no longer able to attend sessions at the Hospice, Pendleside ensured her care continued by arranging for therapy sessions to take place in her own home.  

This continuity of care helped build a strong and trusting relationship between the family and the Hospice team, including Pendleside Hospice’s Admiral Nurse, Rachel Moroney, who continues to support Michael and Carole.  

Michael added: “When Carole could no longer come to the Hospice, the support didn’t stop. Having the team come out to visit her at home meant so much to us. It showed the true compassion and commitment of the Hospice, and how much they genuinely care about the people they support.”  

Now, Michael is honouring his family’s artistic legacy and giving back once again by hosting a special art exhibition in support of Pendleside Hospice. The exhibition, partly organised by Ann Salter from Foulridge Parish Council, will take place on Sunday 25 January, from 11am to 4pm, at Foulridge Village Hall.  

The exhibition will feature artwork from Michael, his father, brother, and grandfather. Together, the collection tells a powerful story of creativity passed down through generations, and of how art can continue to make a difference long after someone has gone.  

Artwork and handcrafted pieces will be on display, with a limited number of original works available to purchase. All proceeds raised from the exhibition will go directly towards supporting Pendleside Hospice and the vital care it provides to patients and families across the local community.  

Michael shared: “Art has always been a way for our family to express ourselves. This exhibition is about remembering my brother and my grandad, celebrating their creativity and saying thank you to Pendleside for the care and support they gave us.”