A North East artist will sell his most cherished painting in memory of his late mother who died from cancer. Newcastle United fan Ronnie Pattison, 54, has put his painting of St James' Park up for sale and will donate the funds he receives to The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. The painting, which is an aerial view of the stadium, was the first piece of artwork he was able to create after losing his 60-year-old mother Ada Pattison to stomach and bowel cancer in 1992.
Read more: 35 pictures of travelling Toon fans during Newcastle's 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Hull City Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter Ronnie, who runs a studio in Chester-le-Street , County Durham , said: "My mother was the main inspiration behind my art. Unfortunately, after she passed away, I struggled for years, but I promised her I'd never give up. "It took me a long time to regain my passion, but I have, especially in the last three years.
The first painting I did when I felt well enough again was an aerial view of St James' Park, I did some eight years after her passing and because of that I've never considered selling it - until now." Ronnie, who began painting at the age of 15, attributes much of his inspiration and success to his late mother. As a lifelong Magpies fan, Sir Bobby Robson was one of his heroes.
He said he manged to get the chance to meet the former Toon manager during a book signing in Waterstones in Newcastl.