Charity starts campaign in memory of beloved Kingsclere volunteer who spent decades bringing books to life for blind children
A charity is raising funds in honour of one of its volunteers who spent decades handcrafting unique picture books for blind children.
Len Webb, 89, from Kingsclere, gave up his time for 21 years to create books and images blind and visually impaired children can experience through touch and sound for national charity Living Paintings.
After Mr Webb died on June 5, aged 89, the charity decided to create a lasting legacy to benefit generations to come.
This week (June 23 to 29), Living Paintings is taking part in The Big Give to raise funds for new Touch to See picture books to share Mr Webb’s artistic passion with blind children across the UK.
Mr Webb’s daughter Claire Webb said: “Dad was a very kind and gentle man and lived for his family.
“Dad never said ‘no’ if someone asked him to help, and he made so many things for so many people.
“Honestly, looking at the fraction of it that we have recorded, we can’t fathom how he managed to find the time.
“He was still winding me up and sparkling right up to the end.”
Living Paintings CEO Camilla Oldland added: “The value of Len’s contributions to Living Paintings cannot be understated.
“From skilfully carving illustrations for our master artworks, to handpainting tactile pictures for little fingers to explore, thousands of blind children have felt the impact of his work and will continue to do so for many years to come.
“As a dear and greatly missed friend, we want to create a lasting legacy that he would be proud of.”
Donations will be match funded by its partner Global’s Make Some Noise.
Mr Webb was a popular member of the community, named as a local hero on Newbury town centre’s Christmas Tree last December.
He is survived by his beloved wife Maureen and his two daughters, Debi and Claire.
Visit https://shorturl.at/LJOCY to donate now to the fundraiser in Mr Webb’s memory.
So far, more than £4,000 has been raised of the £10,000 target.
