The design is the result of a project led by ceramic artist Neil Dalrymple, 75, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2020.
The diagnosis led him to discover the positive effects of art sculpting on his symptoms, with the process of working with clay helping to ease his tremors and improve his mental well-being.
Inspired by his experience, he collaborated with Parkinson’s UK Cymru to set up weekly art classes for people with the condition in Conwy, Denbighshire, and Flintshire.
The participants created a mural that will be displayed at one of the clinics in Llandudno General Hospital.
The clay mural depicts an osprey catching a sea trout in Afon Glaslyn, with Yr Wyddfa and the surrounding hills of Eryri in the background.
Mr Dalrymple said: “I feel that with time passing and my symptoms getting more pronounced, it’s getting harder to forget about Parkinson’s whilst working in clay.
“However, art does help me, taking me to a place of calmness and peace.
“I was delighted to work with Parkinson’s UK Cymru on this project to show the benefits of clay sculpting to help manage the condition and it’s fantastic that our creative work will now be displayed for others to enjoy.”
Dr Sally Jones, consultant physician and geriatrician at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Parkinson’s can be a life-changing diagnosis to receive.
“As clinicians, we want our people living with Parkinson’s to know that, whilst we cannot cure the condition, there are lots of things that can help.
“There is lots of evidence regarding the positive impacts on mental wellbeing of being involved with the arts.
“We are so grateful to the artist Neil Dalrymple in helping people living with Parkinson’s locally to create this mural and for the benefits they will have had from doing so.”
Wendy Allison, community development coordinator for north and mid Wales at Parkinson’s UK Cymru, said: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a shock and adapting to life with the condition can be hard for the person involved and their loved ones too.
“But keeping active, physically and mentally, can make all the difference.
“It is vital that we can support everyone affected by Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s is a complex brain condition that worsens over time. It affects 153,000 people in the UK, including around 8,300 in Wales.
The condition has over 40 symptoms, ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety, and currently has no cure.
