A portrait of Vicky Phelan has raised an incredible €55,000 for Heroes Aid, a charity supporting frontline healthcare workers.
The painting, created by artist Vincent Devine was sold at Shepard’s Auction House earlier this week, and brought in an incredible sum of money.
While the painting itself sold for just over €46k, the auctioneers donated their fees to add almost another €10,000.
What Vicky didn’t realise before the event took place, was her dear friend Davy Brennan was going to buy it.
“He had a budget set and he had it in his head that he wanted to buy it. It’s phenomenal,” she beamed.
“I consider him my fourth brother. He spent so much time in our house when we were younger and we’ve been friends for years.”
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She continued, “He wanted to make sure the painting was brought home but also that it would be available publicly, to tour the country with Vincent and myself maybe, please God if all this treatment works or if that doesn’t happen, then there is a legacy left behind and this painting will continue the work that I’m doing now in my absence.”
Vicky, who has been in the US for almost a month now, is preparing to undergo her second round of treatment next week.
Following the growth of new tumours, she flew to the US in early January to join a new cancer treatment trial in the hopes of prolonging her life.
“It’s been a tough month at times but it’s also been an amazing month because I’m doing really well at the moment,” she said.
“I’m doing really well since the first dose of my new treatment. I’m looking forward to heading back into the hospital next Tuesday for treatment number two.
“Apart from a few mild side effects that I’ve had from the first one including some mild nausea which is fine and tiredness, I’m doing really well so fingers crossed this treatment will work for me and I will hopefully be coming home in a few months for a visit.”
We’re sending all of our love to Vicky!