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Teen artist's 'amazing legacy' opens at hospital

Shivani ChaudhariEssex
News imageBBC Noah Jones with a painting in his lap. He is smiling at the camera. In the same frame but next to the photo of Noah is the finished painting. It is of a bird and in black, around the edge, is written 'Many assume, so little know' BBC
Noah painted the background for this piece, which was finished by the artist Freeman (@freeman_uk on Instagram), who works for the NHS

A hospital has opened a children's garden and sensory room in honour of a talented teenage artist who lived with hydrocephalus, epilepsy and cerebral palsy.

Noah Jones's lockdown project featured collaborations with stars including Ed Sheeran and Grayson Perry.

Noah, from Dedham, Essex, who died aged 15 in 2023, was nicknamed Background Bob because he painted backgrounds on cardboard which people across the world finished off.

"This is like the full stop to an amazing legacy for our boy," said Noah's mum Laura Jones, speaking at Friday's opening ceremony at Colchester Hospital.

"I can't explain the emotions going on at the moment."

It is hoped the new garden will be a calm and supportive space for young patients and their families, boosting children's wellbeing during their time in hospital.

After collaborating with famous names during the Covid-19 pandemic, Noah's artwork was auctioned off and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

News imageJohn Fairhall/BBC The parents sitting in front of the ribbon, Nathan is holding the scissors. There are several members of NHS staff standing behind them John Fairhall/BBC
Noah's parents, Nathan and Laura Jones, opened the garden and sensory room at Colchester Hospital

Nathan Jones, Noah's dad, said: "Thousands of people have got us to this point now, so we just want to say a big 'thank you' to all of those people.

"Our son had a big smile.

"He was a happy kid and this will hopefully produce some big smiles and make kids happy, so it's perfect for us.

"He loved every minute of being Background Bob.

"It would have been lovely if he was here today, but he would have been stealing all the limelight."

News imageNathan Jones Father and son image. (L-R) Noah with his dad. They are both smiling at the camera. They are lying side-by-side on a sofa.Nathan Jones
Nathan Jones, Noah's dad, said: "Our son had a big smile"

Noah's parents said they wanted to continue their son's legacy through fundraising and art.

Catherine Morgan, the chief nurse, said: "Noah's story has touched so many people across our hospitals and the wider community.

"It is incredibly special to see this project come to life and to officially open a space that will bring comfort, calm and moments of joy to so many children and families.

"This is a truly lasting legacy."

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