An emotional moment at the Derian House Children’s Hospice charity ball saw the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen purchase a painting created by 22-year-old Francesca McCaigue and return it to her grieving family.
A touching act of kindness by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen has brought comfort to a grieving family while raising £2,000 for a children's hospice.
Councillor Mahfooz Hussain purchased a painting created by Francesca McCaigue, affectionately known as Fran, during the annual Derian House Children's Hospice charity ball, before surprising guests by gifting the artwork back to her mother and sister.
Fran, who died in July aged just 22, had been looking forward to attending the event and seeing her artwork displayed.
She began working on the painting earlier this year but sadly died before completing it. Her sister, Chlöe, finished the piece in her memory.
An emotional moment at the charity ball
The artwork was auctioned during the sold-out event at the Mercure Blackburn Dunkenhalgh Hotel.
After hearing Fran's story, Councillor Hussain successfully bid £2,000 for the painting.
However, in a gesture that moved guests to tears, the Mayor announced that he would return the artwork to Fran's mother, Nicola, and sister, Chlöe.
Nicola described the moment as deeply emotional.
She explained that Fran had been excited about attending the ball and had even chosen a special dress for the occasion.
After her death, Chlöe completed the unfinished painting, adding her own personal touches as a tribute to her sister.
Nicola said she and Chlöe were overwhelmed when the Mayor returned the artwork, describing it as a beautiful moment they would never forget.
Derian House held a special place in Fran's life
Fran had been supported by Derian House Children's Hospice since she was eight years old.
Over the years, the hospice became an important part of her life, providing friendships, experiences and support.
She even celebrated her 22nd birthday, her final birthday, at the hospice.
Her mother said Derian House had given Fran opportunities and memories that might otherwise have been impossible.
Mayor says returning the painting was always his intention
Councillor Mahfooz Hussain said Fran's story had moved him deeply during the evening.
He explained that he wanted to make a meaningful donation to the hospice but had always intended to return the painting to the family.
The Mayor said:
"It was just the right thing to do."
He added that he was touched by how much the gesture meant to Fran's family.
The additional funding will support the hospice's Derian Wishes programme, which helps create special experiences for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the North West.
The Mayor's gesture ensured that Fran's artwork not only contributed to the hospice's fundraising efforts but also remained with the family who treasure her memory.
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