In July 2024, one of my heroes, the British singer and mega star Robbie Williams, shared my art on his Instagram to his 3 million followers.

I have been a Robbie fan since I was 13 years old, I used to do drawings of him and send them to the Take That fan club, an example is pictured below. When I saw his Instagram had my painting ‘Doughnuts’ on his grid, I was so shocked I thought someone had hacked his account! I just couldn’t believe it!

Not only did Robbie direct his followers to my account to check out my art, he also told people to look at the reel I posted during Mental Health Awareness week of this year. The video depicts footage of me, filmed by my ex-husband, suffering from a severe episode of depression in 2015. The film is very powerful, showing just how debilitating depression can be, and how it distorts your thinking. Robbie sent his ‘Cuddle Club’ out in force to give me some digital hugs, which they did in their hundreds.

There was such a buzz on my social media, that even BBC online picked up on the story, read it here.

In 2012 I painted Take That, when Robbie briefly re-joined the band, I am hoping that one day Robbie will sign it, so we can auction it for charity.

Until then, I am so grateful to Robbie for his openness and kind words about my work, it has meant so much to be to be recognised by one of my idols!

Here is the message he posted in a comment on my Instagram…

Hey Sarah

Wow, I played Knebworth and no one knew how truly broken I was.

You couldn't tell. I presented as someone who was the opposite of how I truly felt.

And that is what I see represented in your art.

If you put 10 artists side by side and were asked to guess which one is going through hell. Or have been through hell.

Just through their artistic expression.

There is no way on earth anyone would guess you and yours.

Your art, The joy of the subjects you pick.The colours. The silliness, The whimsy, The kindness. The child like wonder that you so effortlessly bring to life with your incredible gifts are the truth.Are you.They always were and always will be.

May you be in remission and stay in remission for ever.

I'm sending you a Massive digital hug.

A Few others are coming too.

MUCHLOVE

RW