Street art tribute for amazing schoolgirl

The mysterious ‘Lego Man’ street artist has struck again in South Wales, this time with a colourful tribute in support of a Bridgend schoolgirl’s mission to raise positive awareness of Down’s Syndrome.

Eleven-year-old Hollie Evans was stunned with the surprise graffiti which was created at Litchard Primary School last weekend by artist Ame72.

A Lego figure with a heart-shaped balloon has been painted on one of the school walls, while the secretive artist also left a personalised canvas, just for Hollie.

Work by the international artist Ame72 – real name James Ame – has been valued in the thousands, with three of his creations recently appearing in Port Talbot to join the town’s famous Banksy graffiti art.

On World Down’s Syndrome Day (21 March), Hollie will be starring in the ‘Wouldn’t Change a Thing’ campaign video that is aiming to go viral to make outdated perceptions of the genetic condition a thing of the past.

She also recently joined other children with Down’s Syndrome and their families to sit next to Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby on the famous This Morning sofa to talk about the campaign.

Understandably, her mum Hayley is extremely proud, saying: “Hollie is a true little star. I contacted Ame72 via social media to tell him a little bit about Hollie and how amazing her school have been, getting behind Hollie in everything she does. He replied to say that he felt inspired to do something, and I was over the moon when I saw his artwork. Hollie loves it!

“It’s Hollie’s last year at Litchard Primary, and the kindness shown by everyone at the school has definitely left its mark on Hollie so it will be an emotional day when she leaves. It’s lovely to think that this artwork will remain at the school as a fantastic legacy of her time there.”

As well as helping to raise awareness of how people with Down’s Syndrome play a vital role in our communities, Hollie also does wonders for charity.

When she was younger, Hollie had cancer, so when was given the all clear in 2014 she and her family were determined to do something for other cancer sufferers so Hollie had 18 inches of her hair cut and donated the money that she raised to the Little Princess Trust.

For the past few years, Hollie and her sister Poppie have collected hundreds of easter eggs which they donate to poorly children at the Princess of Wales Hospital and the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales where Hollie spent six months having gruelling chemotherapy.

As well as having a unique piece of artwork created for her, Hollie’s kindness will also be recognised by Bridgend County Borough Council when she receives a Mayor’s Citizenship Award on Friday 22 March.

Hollie will join a dozen other outstanding citizens who are being rewarded for their amazing contribution to the local community. You can follow the Mayor’s Citizenship Awards on Bridgend County Borough Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages, while full details will also be posted on the Bridgend Council's website.