A portrait of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, which is created by a blind artist, will be placed at auction in aid of the Blind Veterans UK charity in early 2015.
Matthew Rhodes, 39, was left blind due to brain damage he suffered in a motorbike accident in Germany 18 years ago.
The lifelong Reds fan then discovered his talent for portrait painting after joining the Blind Veterans UK - a national charity for blind ex-servicemen and women.
Mr Rhodes told the Liverpool Echo: "The moment I was registered blind, Blind Veterans UK was there for me, teaching me how to regain my confidence and independence.
"It was when Blind Veterans UK invited me to spend some time in the art and craft workshop at its Brighton rehabilitation and training centre that I discovered my unlikely painting talent.
"I have painted many people before and as a Red it made sense for me to paint one of its top players."
The painting has now been signed by the England captain, who was clearly impressed by the artwork.
Gerrard said: "I was really impressed with the painting and I think that Matthew did capture a good likeness of me.
"His talent and technique is illustrated in this piece, which I was more than happy to sign."
To see more of Mr Rhodes' incredible artwork, visit www.matthew-rhodes.blogspot.co.uk
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| Photo: matthew-rhodes.blogspot.co.uk |
Matthew Rhodes, 39, was left blind due to brain damage he suffered in a motorbike accident in Germany 18 years ago.
The lifelong Reds fan then discovered his talent for portrait painting after joining the Blind Veterans UK - a national charity for blind ex-servicemen and women.
Mr Rhodes told the Liverpool Echo: "The moment I was registered blind, Blind Veterans UK was there for me, teaching me how to regain my confidence and independence.
"It was when Blind Veterans UK invited me to spend some time in the art and craft workshop at its Brighton rehabilitation and training centre that I discovered my unlikely painting talent.
"I have painted many people before and as a Red it made sense for me to paint one of its top players."
The painting has now been signed by the England captain, who was clearly impressed by the artwork.
Gerrard said: "I was really impressed with the painting and I think that Matthew did capture a good likeness of me.
"His talent and technique is illustrated in this piece, which I was more than happy to sign."
To see more of Mr Rhodes' incredible artwork, visit www.matthew-rhodes.blogspot.co.uk
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