AN ‘OVER the moon’ Coventry boy will have his artwork featured in stores and homes across the country this festive season after he won a Christmas card design competition for children who have been through a serious illness.
Rian Dodd, 12, was crowned as one of two winners in the competition put on by children’s charity Rays of Sunshine and The Fragrance Shop.
Ryan’s winning design.
He was first introduced to Rays of Sunshine in 2023 after he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, which led to his left hand being amputated.
Rian was sent to Disneyland Paris for his wish.
His mum Fagoon Dodd said: “After a tough 15 months it was amazing to see Rian genuinely look happy and carefree and be a child again.”
The family kept in touch with Rays of Sunshine, which led to Rian entering the design competition.
His witty winning ‘Pud up the Christmas Tree’ design has been turned into a Christmas card for The Fragrance Shop, with proceeds going to support Rays of Sunshine so that other children can also have their wish come true.
Rian was also invited to The Fragrance Shop’s Manchester Fragrance Quarters for an in-store experience and to collect an exclusive Fragrance Shop goody bag.
Fagoon said: “Rian was over the moon when we found out his design had won.
“He has always loved art and has learned how to adapt his creativity now with his limb difference. This was exactly the boost he needed after a challenging 18 months and we’re all so proud of him.”
Rian said: “Everybody was so nice and I had so much fun. The best bit was being able to make my own fragrances.”
Amy Chambers, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Rays of Sunshine, said: “We’re so pleased that Rian’s amazing artwork will soon be shared with the whole country, and encourage everyone who can to go out and buy this very special card so that we can keep granting more magical wishes this Christmas and beyond.
“Thank you to our dedicated long-term partner The Fragrance Shop, who have been loyal supporters of our work for many years, for this brilliant opportunity to spread more sunshine for seriously ill children across the UK.”
Visit https://tinyurl.com/bdmw3v83 to buy the Christmas Card and support Rays of Sunshine.
