(Image: Supplied)
World-renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe has donated an original painting inspired by his hometown to support families struggling with the cost of living.
Titled Waiting in the Snow, the 28-by-32-inch painting will be auctioned to support volunteer-led charity the Teesside Family Foundation, which helps people across Teesside.
It shows children standing beneath Teesside’s Transporter Bridge as snow falls around them.
Thorpe said: "Whenever I paint the Transporter Bridge, I’m painting a little bit of home.
Waiting in the Snow by Mackenzie Thorpe (Image: Supplied)
"For me, Waiting in the Snow is about love, belonging and being there for one another, even when life feels hard.
"Teesside Family Foundation represents everything that is good about our community, people looking out for each other and doing what they can to help.
"I really hope this painting helps raise more vital funds, so they can continue their brilliant work helping local families when they need it most."
The painting reflects TFF’s focus on love, belonging and community support.
Tony Wedlake, founder of the Teesside Family Foundation, said: "Mackenzie is a longstanding friend of the Foundation and has supported our charity for many years.
"His generous donations have raised tens of thousands of pounds, helping us make a real difference to local people when they need it most.
"He’s a Boro lad who has never forgotten his roots.
"Wherever his success takes him, he speaks proudly about Middlesbrough and takes every opportunity to champion the town and its people.
"Waiting in the Snow is another wonderful example of his generosity and his love for Teesside.
"On behalf of everyone at the Foundation and the families we support, thank you, Mackenzie, for standing alongside us year after year.
"Your friendship and support mean so much to us."
The painting is being professionally framed before it is auctioned to support the Foundation’s work.
Since it was founded in 2017, TFF has raised nearly £2 million for Teesside families facing financial hardship, disability, life-limiting illness or personal tragedy.
Thorpe will also attend TFF’s sold-out Las Vegas 10th Black Tie Ball, having supported the charity for several years.
The event will take place at Hardwick Hall Hotel on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The entirely volunteer-led charity helps children, families and community organisations all year round.
It funds specialist equipment, accessible short breaks and memorable experiences through its My Dream Day programme.
The charity also supports grassroots sports clubs and runs Christmas appeals providing toys and selection boxes for children who might otherwise go without.
Proceeds from the Waiting in the Snow auction will help the Foundation provide practical support and moments of happiness to people facing hardship.
To bid for the painting, email Tony Wedlake at tony@theteessidefamily.com.
The charity is also seeking auction and raffle prizes for its 10th Black Tie Ball.
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Individuals and businesses are urged to donate experiences, hotel stays, restaurant vouchers, sporting memorabilia, hampers, gifts, products or services.
A spokesperson said: "Every prize donated will help raise more funds to support local people."
To donate a prize, contact Tony Wedlake at tony@theteessidefamily.com.
For more information, visit www.theteessidefamily.com.