Spalding artist designs leather jacket for eight-year-old cancer patient who attended red carpet premiere in London
An artist who hand-painted a leather jacket for an eight-year old cancer patient to wear at a film premiere, says it was the ‘proudest moment’ of her career.
Jade Cundy of Spalding, started her business Painted Love Customs in 2017 and now has a thriving online presence.
Thanks to a large following on Instagram and TikTok, Jade is now able to create bespoke custom made prints on leather jackets, Dr.Martens, bags and trainers – which she has sent to customers globally.
In September last year, Jade was faced with one of her biggest challenges yet, after being contacted by a mother in Shropshire, who asked her to hand-paint a jacket for her eight-year-old daughter, Dulcie O’Kelly, who was due to attend a red carpet event in London.
Jade said: “Debbie asked me to come up with a design for Dulcie to wear at a film premiere in London. I agreed not knowing what the event was for, but when I was sent the details, I knew I had to create something extra special.
“She wanted a super girly design with lots of pinks and purples and the words ‘Dulcie: Cancer Warrior’ written on the back.”
Dulcie was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma in 2021. Her parents were given the devastating news that she would have a 40-50% chance of long-term survival at diagnosis.
The O’Kelly family were contacted by television company, Sky, who wanted to include Dulcie in their new film documentary ‘Kids Like Us’ – which features seven children from the UK, who share their experiences of living with cancer.
Jade created a leather jacket with bright pink flowers and lots of gold and glittery details, with the child cancer awareness symbol included as well.
The red carpet premiere took place in Leicester Square in London and was attended by celebrities.
Jade added: “I have been painting jackets for almost eight years and this project is 100% my proudest moment as an artist. Just being tasked with creating something so special was an honour.
“There were many celebrities in attendance including reality TV stars and Nile Rodgers, who apparently loved the jacket.
“I was also contacted by former editor for Cosmopolitan magazine, Jo Elvin, with photos she’d taken of the jackets and she said she thought it was amazing.
“Without my platform on TikTok, I wouldn’t have been able to do something like that – it has defiantly opened up more opportunities for me as a business.
“I decided to post a video of me painting the jacket and as I am a part of the TikTok creator fund, the money I made from the one minute video I donated to Dulcie’s treatment appeal.
“I’m so lucky to have an amazing community of supporters on social media who watched the video and allowed me to make a donation and raise awareness for children’s cancer.”
If you would like more information on Dulcie’s story visit the donations page here.
Jade has also recently launched her own clothing brand on the Painted Love Customs website.
The merchandise includes some of Jade’s most popular designs, which have been printed on hoodies, sweatshirts and t-shirts. Customers can also buy a selection of accessories which include mugs, phone cases, tote bags and more.
For more information visit the Painted Love Customs website or Instagram page.