A TALENTED 11-year-old from Chard is using his art skills to raise money for a cause that could not be closer to his heart.

Aidan Whitworth’s dad, John, had a kidney transplant three years ago after collapsing with kidney failure and the effects of a major auto-immune disease.

Aidan, along with brothers Danny, Robbie and Cody, received Highly Commended certificates in the 2012 Pride of Somerset Youth Awards for rising to the challenge of helping their dad.

Now Aidan is using his artistic side to raise money for the Kidney Foundation and the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital’s Kidney Unit.

Mum Selma told the News: “He’s got his art desk under the stairs, having always been into arts and crafts, and the Kidney Foundation is always something he’s wanted to raise money for.

“We put a couple of items up on Facebook to start with and the response was amazing.

“Straight away he managed to sell the encrypted art paintings, which are done with wax and an iron, and was then messaged for nine more orders.”

Aidan’s Facebook page, called Aidan’s Arts & Crafts Raising Money for Kidneys, now has well over 200 members.

Half of the proceeds are going to kidney charities, with the other half going into buying materials.

Selma added: “We’re so proud of Aidan. It’s now three years since John has his kidney transplant – we’ve called it ‘Sidney Kidney’ – and he’s doing really, really well.”