A welder whose partner spent her final days in the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital has unveiled his third stunning artwork to be auctioned for the hospice.

By day, Gary Smith from Bournemouth is an aerospace welder.

But in his spare time, he runs Gary Smith Welded Art welding metal, including unwanted cutlery, into unique pieces for private and commercial clients.

His latest work ‘New Beginnings’ is a three-piece sculpture featuring a host of butterflies covered in 24ct gold.

It has been created for Macmillan Caring Locally (MCL), the charity which supports the Macmillan Unit and will be auctioned live at their annual fundraiser the Flutterby Ball and via Facebook on Friday October 4.

Gary’s partner Fiona died at the Macmillan Unit in 2013, just months after her cancer diagnosis.

Gary said: “The care Fiona received was outstanding.

“Nothing was too much trouble and I’ll be forever grateful for that.

“I feel honoured to be able to use my art to support the hospice’s work, it’s become a part of my life.

“I hope my latest sculpture will raise a really impressive amount for Macmillan Caring Locally.”

Each butterfly in New Beginnings is formed in stainless steel, covered in 24ct gold, and set against a backdrop of copper and stainless steel.

Gary said: “I liked the idea of being able to see a butterfly slowly emerge in the first and second panels, before being joined by a host of glorious butterflies in the third panel.

“If it were commissioned, you would pay around £5,000 for this piece, mainly because of the materials and the time it took to create.

“I wanted it to tell a story and really stir the emotions and I’m told it does that.”

Gary who also met his wife Lucy, who is an aromatherapist, through the Macmillan Unit, said he would not have been able to create New Beginnings without the help of four local businesses who supplied their services for free:

• Andy Rice owner of Elite Fabrication & Welding Ltd provided help and advice
• Accujet in Poole laser cut the plates and butterflies
• Dolphin Marine in Poole did the 24k gold plating on the butterflies
• NB Powder Coating Services in Poole did the finish on the three plates

Gary said: “All of these local companies jumped at the chance to help the hospice and its only through their collaboration that we have the finished piece today.”

New Beginnings is currently on display at the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa in Christchurch.

Lin Sharp, Fundraising & Communications Director at MCL, said: “It’s difficult not to get emotional when you listen to Gary’s story and equally so when you see his work.

“I’m quite overwhelmed by New Beginnings and the whole of MCL is incredibly grateful for his continued support.”

A small number of tickets are still available for the Flutterby Ball at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel.

Reserve your ticket here.

Anyone not able to attend the Ball can still bid for New Beginnings on Facebook at 9.15pm on October 4 at @macmillanlocal