Local artist donates painting to support Fakenham Community First Responders
Date: 3 August 2026A painting on display at the Fakenham Arts Festival in August is helping to raise money and awareness for the Fakenham Community First Responder (CFR) group.
The oil painting, Asphodel Meadow, has been donated by Jarome, a contemporary Irish artist who has lived in Norfolk for the past 25 years. The painting will be available to buy at the festival, with all money raised going to support the volunteer responder group. The painting takes its name from Ancient Greek mythology, where the Asphodel Meadow was a peaceful place between life and death.
Christine Wheeler, of the Fakenham Community First Responders, said:
"We are extremely grateful to Jarome for donating this beautiful painting to help raise funds for our group.
"The colours in the painting remind us of the uniforms worn by our Community First Responders. We often meet people when they are worried, frightened or unwell, and we hope our presence brings comfort and reassurance.
"The painting is a reminder that heroes can be ordinary people who choose to give their time to help others. We hope it will help raise both funds and awareness of the work we do in our community."
The Fakenham Community First Responders are made up of 15 dedicated volunteers who respond to emergency calls in their local area on behalf of the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST). They are supported by an additional three volunteers who help sustain and promote the group’s work within the community.
In the last three years, the group have volunteered more than 13,000 hours of on-call support for local residents. CFRs are dispatched to a wide range of incidents, from life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrests, to falls and welfare concerns. Often arriving first on scene, they provide vital care, reassurance and support until an ambulance crew arrives.
Jarome's artwork has been exhibited in the UK, Ireland and Malta, and is held in private collections across those countries as well as in the United States. He is currently preparing for solo exhibitions in the UK and Malta in 2027.
Visitors to the Fakenham Arts Festival will have the opportunity to view Asphodel Meadow and support the work of local Community First Responders through its sale.
CFR groups are proudly supported by the East of England Ambulance Service Charity, with every donation to a local scheme ringfenced to support each group’s vital life saving work in the community.
To support your local CFR group visit https://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/about-us/charity/support-your-local-CFR-group
