AN ARTIST who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer has his work on permanent display at Basingstoke hospital providing a “beacon of comfort” to patients.

Richard Voller, known as Richart The Aura Expert, spent six weeks in Basingstoke hospital after he was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in October 2022, and decided to use his time painting to “do something special with the time I have left”.

The 51-year-old, who grew up in Basingstoke, has raised £1,000 for Ark Cancer Centre Charity in return for donating a mural of his aura, which has now been put on display in the chemotherapy area of the Rainbow ward at Basingstoke hospital.

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Richard said it felt like “a real achievement” to finally hand over the painting to Michele Urry from Ark Cancer Centre Charity.

The mural, created using acrylics, shows Richard’s aura, which he explained is the energy surrounding a person and something that is felt rather than seen.

He added: “It’s no coincident that the different colours of the rainbow are also the same colours that make up the frequency of one’s aura. When my father died, he left a poem on his desk called ‘Look for In Rainbows’.”

Richard quit his corporate life working in public relations to travel and live what he describes as a “spiritual life” following his art and painting people’s auras.

However, he was given a devastating blow when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and told he has between six months and three years to live.

Richard said painting has helped him come to terms with his diagnosis, adding: “I’ve been doing art therapy for 10 years so I thought I would order some canvases and start painting my emotions to help with the healing process.”

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He said he is comforted by knowing his painting will live on after his death, and be in the same hospital where his mother, Jill Voller, worked as a social worker before her death in 2006 from cancer.

The artist added: “It came as no surprise when I discovered that Caroline Price, the senior nurse of the Rainbow Unit, knew my mum when she was a team manager for social services at Basingstoke hospital some 20 years ago. Everything was falling into place as if this was all part of my destiny. I think we were all meant to meet up and this magical aura painting brought us together.

“I know that it will radiate positive vibes forever, shining its light over cancer patients in the Rainbow Unit, encouraging them to try out complementary therapies in the Ark Cancer Centre just across the road.”

Caroline Price, senior sister in the Rainbow Unit, said the team is “delighted” to display Richard’s painting for patients and their loved ones to see.

She added: “It’s a beautiful piece that illustrates so much feeling and depth. The funds Richard has raised will help to support the environment our patients' experience whilst they are here with us and we want to say a huge thank you for all those who helped to raise the money.”

Merv Rees, a trustee of the Ark Cancer Centre Charity, was also touched by Richard’s contribution, said: “He is an inspiration to all of us involved with cancer care, and the funds raised through his artwork will go towards our active Wellbeing Centre, which supports patients in their cancer journey through acupuncture, scar tissue massage and art therapy as well as personal counselling in a bespoke environment.

“I am delighted that Richard’s ‘aura’ will be on display together with his words of wisdom which are truly a beacon of comfort for us all.”