A mother from Southwell has fundraised for Cancer Research UK by selling postcards with her late husband paintings of Southwell Minster

A mother of two has raised nearly £1,500 in memory of her husband ­— using his art as inspiration.

Helen Law, of Southwell, lost her husband, Roger, to skin cancer a year ago.

Last summer, when Helen was organising her garage she found some oil paintings that her late husband painted, including one of Southwell Minster in the snow.

Encouraged by her brother, James Judson, she decided to use them to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Helen decided to print the painting of Southwell Minster into cards and sell them.

“I first got a few printed thinking people wouldn’t buy them and overnight we sold the first batch,” said Helen.

“James was the one who gave me the confidence to do it as he said it could be a huge success. I am glad he did because it’s been really good.”

Each pack includes ten cards and costs £6.50.

“It felt like Roger was kind of smiling at us. He wasn’t a very showy person, he would be quite surprised that people are taking such an interest because he was a lot better than he ever thought he was,” said Helen.

The couple first met on holiday in 1991 in Cornwall and, according to Helen, it was love at first sight.

They were married in 1997 and lived in Devon until returning to Helen’s hometown in Southwell in 1999 where they lived with their two children.

“It’s been a really good focus for us, because it felt like we were still doing something for him,” said Helen.

“It’s been a good thing because it kept us focused during the worst months.”

Helen is thinking of selling the cards again this autumn.