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A Hengoed-based artist has assembled a team of volunteers to help decorate a children’s hospital this month.

Matt Dey is one of nine volunteers who will be painting the windows at Noah’s Ark children’s hospital in Cardiff on Sunday April 16.

It came about after Matt got together with fellow face-painting and window artists before his partner, Rhiannon Stone, suggested getting in touch with children’s hospitals to offer their services.

Matt said: “Rhiannon emailed a few charities in the area and Noah’s Ark were the first to get back. We told them that nine of us are planning on spending a full day painting and they loved the idea.

“The corridor that we’re painting has 14 windows, which the carers there have described as hideous. The kids pass through there everyday, so it’ll be great to brighten it up.”

Former Gelligaer community councillor Ms Stone, who is also project manager, said: “It has taken a while to get everything lined up but we’re really excited to get started.

“We’ve even got sponsorship from a shop in Cardiff, who are providing the paint for us to do the work. It should be a fun day.”

Earlier this year, Matt began the Valleys Street Art Project, which aims to bring colour to the borough through the painting of ‘legal walls.’

With that project on the back-burner until the weather improves, Matt told Caerphilly Observer how his latest project will give artists the chance to express themselves.

“The hospital said they would like an ocean-themed corridor as the ward next to it is also ocean-themed,” Matt said. “Me and the artists already have our designs in mind.”

He added: “It’s amazing how many people have been helped by the hospital. We have artists coming all the way from Liverpool to do some painting. We’re very excited.”

For one of the artists, Ro Marenghi, this will be a very personal project: “My son, Joey, was on the owl ward at Noah’s Ark in 2020 after being diagnosed with lung cancer aged one.

“Thankfully he’s all clear now but Noah’s Ark is somewhere that feels like a second home to us.”

Ro admitted he has never painted a window before, but has been involved in many street art projects, including the painting of a mural in his home town of Pontypridd, where he met Matt.

He continued: “I couldn’t say no to this project. I’ve been trying to give back to the hospital at every chance available and this will be another way for me to do my bit.

“Joey stayed on the rainbow and owl ward so my design is going to be a deep sea diving owl. I’m also painting a polar bear so it will be a busy day.”

Visit the artists’ GoFundMe page to make a donation to their project. Ms Stone said any money left over will be used towards another project they will be working on in London.