14-year-old Jack Berry from Sunderland exhibited his work from his aviation art book in aid of military charities at Newark Air Museum last month.
Jack’s artwork from this book “Flying High in the Sunlit Silence” was displayed on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31 at Newark Air Museum. A cheque was presented to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity for the money raised from selling the book on base.
The proceeds collected will go to SSAFA’s Forces Additional Needs and Disability Forum (FANDF); a tri-Service group for current Serving families or individuals who have a child or adult dependent with an additional need and/or disability ensuring Forces families with additional needs and disabilities receive the support they need.
Jack has severe autism, depression, anxiety and is selectively mute. In July, Jack started drawing planes to help him focus during the pandemic.
Sara Berry, Jack’s mum said:
“We do not have a military connection but because of Jack’s love of the military, we wanted to help families like ours in the Armed Forces. It must be really really hard to be in the Armed Forces, to be away when your child has additional needs and know that your partner is looking after them 24/7.”
Sir Andrew Gregory, SSAFA Controller said:
“I commend Jack for how he speaks to us all through his art; his talent allows us to celebrate that courage and that service.”
If you would like to support SSAFA’s FANDF and other military charities, you can purchase it from Amazon on Monday 26th here for £11.99: Flying High In the Sunlight Silence
If you are in the Armed Forces and have a child with additional needs and you need support, please reach out here: ssafa.org.uk/get-help/disability-support/additional-needs-and-disability-support