Retiring Guernsey doctor auctioning artwork for Les Bourgs Hospice

Oil paintings created by a long-serving Guernsey GP will be auctioned off this month to raise money for Les Bourgs Hospice.

Dr Petra Palmeri has worked in surgeries in Guernsey since 1999.

She is now retiring and planning to move back to her Spanish hometown of Córdoba.

Before leaving, she is auctioning her award-winning artwork to raise money for Les Bourgs Hospice.

For more than a decade, Dr Palmeri has enjoyed painting in her free time.

Her work has been featured in Artists & Illustrators and The Artist. She has also designed Alderney stamps and regularly competes in the Guernsey Eisteddfod, winning the Best Still Life cup for the 12th time this year.

Her oil paintings are being auctioned online until 26 April.

Dr Palmeri says she is grateful for the years she spent in Guernsey.

"It has been a privilege to care for patients here and to work alongside such supportive colleagues and teams across the island. 

“As I prepare to return to Spain, I wanted to do something meaningful to mark this moment.

"Les Bourgs Hospice provides such important care and support to patients and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives.  

“The collection includes a mix of paintings, many of which have been inspired by life in Guernsey.

"Through this auction, I hope to give something back to the community that has given me so much, while also sharing a part of my life that has brought me great joy.” 

The paintings are currently on display across the Healthcare Group surgeries at Cobo, Rohais, and St Martin’s, allowing patients to view the collection before they are sold.

CEO of Les Bourgs Hospice, Rob Jones, says the auction will help cover their £2.8 million yearly costs, which they receive no government support for.

“We are incredibly grateful to Dr Palmeri for choosing to support Les Bourgs Hospice in this way.

"The funds raised will help us continue to provide specialist palliative care and support to patients and their families across the island.

"It is a wonderful and generous gesture, and a very special way to mark such an important milestone.”