When I was a boy, some six weeks before the end of the Second World War, I remember standing on the kerbside of the road of my home in North London. On the other side of the road, was a row of six pyramids of destruction. Each of these huge and identical piles of rubble, had only hours earlier been homes. 

Those six pyramids were all that was now left of twenty-four homes. Number '13' was my family home. 

I had awoken in the dark with my brother, wet from a leaking pipe, surrounded by bricks, lath and plasterwork and dust. We were taken out, one at a time, by a brave air-raid warden, a man we would never know. I will never be certain how he got us out to safety. 

Now, seventy-seven years later, the world looks on as the brave and resilient nation of Ukraine faces an unforgiveable and murderous invasion by a brother nation, a neighbour. Millions of people have no safe place to call home, and the Red Cross are working around the clock to get critical care to those that need it most. 

The little boy inside me wanted so much to help. 

I have painted virtually all my life, and alongside a satisfying profession as an architect, it has given me so much. When I was asked to create something for our monarch's Platinum Jubilee, I wanted in some way to use the opportunity to paint and simultaneously raise money for Ukraine. 

Therefore, anyone donating to this JustGiving Page who chooses to share their details with me, will also be entered into a draw to win my painting. (Acrylic on canvas, 1015 mm x 760mm) 

I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read this, and let's hope that together we can perhaps offer some safety and light to someone in need. 

Thank you,

Mike