Redditch artist and ex-serviceman awarded MBE for services to charity

A REDDITCH based ex-serviceman turned artist has been awarded an MBE for charitable services in the Kings Birthday Honours.

Popular artist Kevin Wills from Oakenshaw has made quite a stir in the past with his portraits of Captain Sir Thomas Moore, his project painting the fallen in Afghanistan and several of the England football team.

Kevin has also created artwork in honour of Remembrance Day, which was on the cover for Pathfinder international magazine, with the proceeds donated to the Royal British Legion and its Poppy Appeal.

His most famous project was painting every single of the fallen in Afghanistan in the hopes of getting the portraits to their respected families.

He said: “I started painting the fallen in Afghanistan after painting a young Royal Marine, I read his story about what happened in Afghanistan and then sent the portrait to his family and the reaction was just overwhelming from them.

“I thought to myself how many more families would feel happy about having a portrait of their father, son, cousin or sister to remember them by.”

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He launched a fundraising campaign to complete the project with the community coming together to raise the money needed.

Kevin said he was honoured and deeply moved to be receiving his MBE.

“This recognition isn’t just for me – it belongs to every family, every veteran, every volunteer, and everyone who has stood beside me to honour, remember and pay tribute to those who gave everything in service during the Afghanistan campaign.

“The Fallen of Afghanistan project began with one simple goal, to ensure no life lost, no story and no sacrifice would ever be forgotten.

“To see that work acknowledged in this way is beyond anything I ever imagined.

“Receiving this award reminds me why I started – and why I will keep going – to keep their names alive, to support those left behind and to honour the courage and service of so many.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported this journey and to the families who trusted me with their stories.

“This belongs to you, too.”