Elaine

"Elaine was an extraordinary person, and everyone who knew her would say the same. She just had a way with people: you felt like you could open up to her and tell her anything. My Dad’s auntie, who is 99, described Elaine as an earth angel that had come into my life. And that is precisely what she was, an angel".

These words come from Paul’s pen portrait, written in loving memory of his partner Elaine McIver who was tragically murdered in the 2017 terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena. “These are the hardest and most heartbreaking words I will ever write. I know that words will never be enough to convey my feelings; quite simply, there are no words… She was everything to me”.

Initially, when Andy spoke with Paul, their conversation centred on Paul’s recovery from his own severe injuries. But as they talked, they realized that celebrating Elaine’s life and spirit was even more important.

In the difficult days after the attack, it was hard for Paul to revisit the joyful memories he shared with Elaine; the pain made them feel out of reach. But, as time has passed, he has found comfort in these memories, feeling deeply grateful for every moment they shared, “I truly feel blessed to have those memories which I will always treasure in my heart”.

With this painting, Andy aimed to capture Elaine’s love of life and her selfless spirit. “Elaine had a lovely personality” Paul said, “she was always sorting things out for everyone or helping them, it was like her job was to make other people happy”.

Upon seeing the completed painting for the first time, Paul expressed his emotion simply: “I can’t describe the impact of seeing it in the room that day.”