Ambulance crew presented with portraits

A Thetford woman who has painted more than 100 portraits of NHS staff has presented paintings to the two ambulance crew that attended her husband during a medical emergency.

Chris Goddard presented Apprentice Paramedic Ian Betts and Newly Qualified Paramedic Toula Skylogiannis with their portraits at a recent reunion at Thetford Ambulance Station.

Chris began painting NHS staff during her own treatment for breast cancer, and has completed over 100 portraits of medics and support staff, producing a book, Hope, on how they dealt with the COVID crisis.

“I needed some sort of therapy for myself,” said Chris, who paints from pictures she takes on her phone.

“I try to capture a moment in time.”

Recently her husband Howard was taken ill. After feeling poorly for a time he dialled 111, which after assessing his symptoms, escalated him to an ambulance response.

“Ian and Toula assessed me further, and told me that I needed to go into hospital,” said Howard.

“I was taken to West Suffolk Hospital and was diagnosed with perforated diverticulitis, which can lead to sepsis.”

After four days in hospital, Howard was able to make a full recovery.

“I feel I’ve had the most wonderful care,” he said.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved, without their quick action I wouldn’t be here today.”

Both crew were delighted with their portraits.

“I’ve never had my portrait painted before, it’s a privilege,” said Ian.

“It’s made me look slimmer than I actually am.”

Toula said:

“When someone takes your picture mid-shift you never know what it’s going to look like, but it’s lovely, really nice.

“Chris has inspired so many people with her pictures and touched so many people as well.”

Chris Goddard’s book Hope can be purchased here.

All proceeds of the book go to St Nicholas Hospice Care.