Talented young Rugby artist spreads cheer to elderly residents with her hand-drawn pictures

A Rugby primary school pupil is spreading happiness to elderly people across the town with her coloured in pictures and drawings.

During lockdown seven-year-old Sophia Litwinko dedicated her spare to creating hand-drawn pictures which she gifts to elderly clients at Home Instead Rugby.

Sophia is a budding young artist who taught herself to draw by watching videos on YouTube.

Her favourite things to draw are cartoon characters, using bright colours and bold shapes.

Sophia started gifting her masterpieces to Rugby's elderly people who receive care from Home Instead, as she thought it would bring a smile to their faces.

The talented young artist, whose father works for Home Instead, said she aimed to draw something special for every Home Instead client, creating 80 hand-drawn happy images in total.

A spokesperson for Home Instead said: "The drawings really did make the seniors smile.

One resident, pictured, loved the drawing Sophia gave him so much he named it 'Hooty'.

"One client was particularly moved by Sophia’s wonderful idea and has placed her lovely picture on show in his kitchen, naming it ‘Hooty’.

Sarah Slater, owner of Home Instead Rugby, said: “When Sophia asked if her hand-drawn pictures could be delivered to our clients, the answer was a big yes! She is such a kind, caring little girl who has worked really hard to perfect her magnificent drawings.

“We have seen first-hand how hard the last year has been for many of our clients, so to be able to surprise them with one of Sophia’s wonderful drawings has really brought a smile to all of their faces. It has brought them joy to think that such a special little girl is thinking of them throughout these unusual times.”

Sophia’s dad, Jason Litwinko, care manager at Home Instead Rugby, said: “We are so proud of Sophia - she has such a kind heart, and she wants to spread happiness to everyone.

"She is really proud of her drawings, so off her own back Sophia decided she wanted to spread that cheer to older people in the community, who she knows have had a hard year.”

Home Instead Rugby provides at-home care to elderly people throughout the area, with their services ranging from home help and companionship, to more specialist dementia and post-operation care. Learn more at www.homeinstead.co.uk/rugby or by calling 01455247100.