June McCulloch took up painting after losing her husband to the disease in 2000

A woman who turned to art after the death of her husband has raised £1500 for charity through the sale of her paintings.

June McCulloch lost her husband to Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in 2000, days after they celebrated their Ruby wedding anniversary.

She began to paint the following year, after her eldest daughter gave her a Christmas gift of art supplies to “keep her busy”.

“I watched a man on television paint and taught myself that way. I lost myself in it,” Ms McCulloch said.

When my daughter first gave me the box of art supplies I never dreamt that it would come to this

Ms McCulloch, who has lived at Craigview Sheltered Housing complex in Bo’ness for over 12 years, has now held an exhibition of her work with all proceeds going to MND Scotland.

After the exhibition she said “I have been overwhelmed with all the support from everyone at Craigview, residents and staff, as well as from friends, family and those in the local community.

“I am so pleased we have been able to raise over £1,500 for a cause which is so dear to my family’s heart. When my daughter first gave me the box of art supplies I never dreamt that it would come to this.

“I feel very lucky to have the space and peace and quiet to paint, some days I look up and realise I’ve forgotten to have my lunch.”

Iain McWhirter, the charity’s head of fundraising and volunteering, said “We cannot thank June enough for choosing to support MND Scotland at her exhibition. The event was a fantastic success and we are very grateful to Craigview for their support.

“The money raised will go towards helping us continue to support people, across Scotland, who are affected by MND, as well as fund vital research, to take us a step closer to finding a cure for this devastating illness.”