A MAN from Cwmbran has unleashed his creative side to paint a Banksy-style mural in support of the NHS 'super heroes' who have supported his family through difficult times.
Lyndon Reynolds began work on the piece on April 20 using cans of spray paint he had found in his garage. Just five days later the mural was complete.
The finished piece, emblazoned on Mr Reynolds' garage, depicts an NHS worker sporting a Superman face mask.
"Many people, including police have stopped to watch him paint and admire his work," said Mr Reynolds' wife Sheenagh.
As well as supporting the staff currently working to keep everyone safe from coronavirus, the piece holds special poignancy for the Reynolds family as they received 'incredible' support from the NHS over the past few months.
Mr Reynolds said that he inherited his artistic streak from his father, Robert.
In October last year, at the age of 83 Robert was injured in a fall.
"He spent the next eight weeks ventilated on ICU at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, where he received the most intense and wonderful care and attention," said Mr Reynolds.
"There was never a nurse or doctor away from his bedside.
"The unit was under immense pressure but this did not affect the care he received, it was incredible."
On December 12 Robert passed away.
(Lyndon Reynolds drafts his NHS mural)
Just 12 days earlier Mrs Reynolds mother, Gwyneth Jamieson died after having suffered a stroke.
"My mam was an independent 87-year-old 'super hero'," she said.
"She cared for my dad, Reuben, who, in 1970, survived an industrial accident at Port Talbot Steel Works."
Mr Jamieson was left paralysed from the waist down, having to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
This all came during an already tough time for the family, as Mrs Reynolds was battling through almost two years of complicated surgeries after having been diagnosed with breast cancer on two separate occasions.
"In total I have had six surgeries and we're hoping just one to go when this current crisis is over," said Mrs Reynolds
"Without this specialist care I could now be very ill, or not here at all.
(Alys Claire Reynolds scrubs up before her shift)
"Lyndon and I are constantly reliving and appreciating all of the care, attentiveness and protection we received and cannot imagine how these departments are coping with extra pressures due to this pandemic."
The story doesn't end there, as the day after the funeral of her beloved 'Gramps', the Reynolds' daughter Alys began working on the front lines for the NHS.
Miss Reynolds is now stationed at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr Hospital in Caerphilly.
"To say we are proud of her is an understatement," said Mrs Reynolds.
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