Founders, Stuart Bates MBE and Richard Brailsford set up Artists Against MND with one focus. To raise money to cure MND. All art is donated free of charge, and the founders do not take a wage. Money raised goes directly to MND charities. These are Darby Rimmer MND Foundation and The Mel Evans MBE Foundation. Please read on to understand more about Richard and Stuart’s stories and links to MND.
Richard Brailsford
Richard’s Dad, Chris died from Motor Neurone Disease in 2013, after a savage 9-month illness. Richard’s obsession since then has been to find a cure for MND. From an awful situation, Richard, his sister Lorna and wider friends and family formed The MND Army. He and Stuart have united behind a shared passion to cure MND. They have a strong bond and friendship. The MND Army focuses on physical challenges or creating enjoyable, fun, and meaningful events, whilst making a difference. Richard and his The MND Army have raised over £125,000 to date.
Although certainly not an art connoisseur, Richard is an art lover. Working with Stuart, the wonderful artists and art experts, Richard shares the Artists Against MND objective of art being a force for good and to fund research.
A cure isn’t a wish, it is an obsession. Richard says he just wishes to remove one word from a sentence. “There is NOT a cure for MND”.
Richard and Stuart share the same aspiration for Artists Against MND. Richard is incredibly excited and grateful for the support from artists and those who purchase these works of art".
Stuart Bates MBE
Stuart has been a passionate fundraiser since his hero and older brother Spencer, known to all as Spenny, was diagnosed with MND in 2009. Upon Spenny’s death in 2011 he promised to keep raising funds and awareness until a cure was found.
He has been the driving force behind many high profile fundraising ventures, most notably Spennylympics in 2021. During the Tokyo Olympics he completed every single one of the 102 events over the 17 days of the games. This was covered across the world with TV appearances in over 50 countries.
In 2022 he was immensely honoured to attend the state funeral of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on behalf of the British fundraising community.
In 2023 he was awarded an MBE for services to the Motor Neurone Disease community.
Through their shared experiences Stuart and Richard have forged a brilliant friendship and an even deeper desire to rid the world of this cruellest of diseases.
Stuart has many passions, with art being one of them.
Stuart and Richard have been humbled by the generosity of time, spirit and sense of community that the art world has shown since the inception of Artists Against MND. They truly believe that together they will all bring the reality of a cure that little step closer.
Jardin – limited edition print
Thank you to Daniel for kindly donating this striking oil painting called Jardin. This is a Limited Edition on canvas 50 x 50 cm plus 5 cm white border which can be stretched or mounted as you wish. Each print is one of only 10 signed and numbered prints available. Therefore this is an extremely limited edition print. A great opportunity to own rare Daniel Hooper artwork.
Bird of Paradise – Olya Lynx Art. Original, mixed media. 61×91 cm (24×36 inches)
It took Olya 200 hours to create this bright, happy, 3D, and totally handmade painting.
Bird of Paradise symbolizes the courage to grow beyond one’s limits. The flower bold and unusual, represents the moment we choose to step into our true selves. its bright, striking form reflects confidence, freedom, and the desire to rise above old fears. It celebrates the beauty that appears when we let ourselves evolve and stand fully in who we are.
About Olya Lynx
Olya Lynx is a 3D mixed-media artist based in Lancashire, United Kingdom, with Russian and Ukrainian roots, creating bold, tactile works that sit between painting and sculpture. For the past two decades, Lancashire’s trees have been Olya’s quiet companions and greatest teachers. She transforms natural forms into emotional landscapes, using mixed media, acrylic, and oil. Her three-dimensional pieces explore resilience, loss, and healing.
Her work speaks to people who seek art with presence and meaning—pieces that can hold space for both beauty and emotion.
Sundown Reflection – Olya Lynx Art. Original, oil, mixed media Size: 46x36cm (18×14 inches). Framed and ready to hang.
This painting captures the peaceful harmony between the sea and setting sun – a symbol of emotional balance, introspection and closure. It invites the viewer to pause, release the day’s tension, reflect and reconnect with inner calm.
About Olya Lynx
Olya Lynx is a 3D mixed-media artist based in Lancashire, United Kingdom, with Russian and Ukrainian roots, creating bold, tactile works that sit between painting and sculpture. For the past two decades, Lancashire’s trees have been Olya’s quiet companions and greatest teachers. She transforms natural forms into emotional landscapes, using mixed media, acrylic, and oil. Her three-dimensional pieces explore resilience, loss, and healing.
Her work speaks to people who seek art with presence and meaning—pieces that can hold space for both beauty and emotion.
Dandelion Serenity – Olya Lynx Art. Original, acrylic on canvas. 40x40cm
Capture a moment of calm with Dandelion Serenity, that brings tranquility to your soul and a touch of nature. This artwork features delicate dandelions in a soothing color palette, creating a peaceful atmosphere. It reminds us that each of us is fragile like dandelions and we need to be kinder to each other.
About Olya Lynx
Olya Lynx is a 3D mixed-media artist based in Lancashire, United Kingdom, with Russian and Ukrainian roots, creating bold, tactile works that sit between painting and sculpture. For the past two decades, Lancashire’s trees have been Olya’s quiet companions and greatest teachers. She transforms natural forms into emotional landscapes, using mixed media, acrylic, and oil. Her three-dimensional pieces explore resilience, loss, and healing.
Her work speaks to people who seek art with presence and meaning—pieces that can hold space for both beauty and emotion.