AN ARTIST who suffered a life-threatening illness which ended his career as a college lecturer is exhibiting work at York Hospital as a thank-you to staff.

Patrick Smith, of Clifton Moor, York, was admitted to the hospital ten years ago suffering health problems which had doctors baffled at first.

He said: “It took 18 months to get a diagnosis. I was coughing all the time.

“By the time I was diagnosed I had become very weak and could no longer continue my job teaching art at York College.

“I was lecturing at three colleges and was a senior lecturer at York.” After months of tests, Patrick, 50, was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a condition causing inflammation of the lungs which results in a whole range of symptoms including breathlessness.

He said: “I am so grateful to the medical team at York Hospital, especially Dr Kirsty Rogers and Professor Charles Lacey, who were my doctors at the time, for finally finding the right treatment for me.

“My condition has been stabilised which has allowed me to continue painting.

“As a patient at York Hospital I always admired the art exhibitions.

“There are some fantastic pieces of work by nationally recognised artists.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was approached through the art in hospitals scheme to exhibit.” Gill Greaves, art officer for the hospital, said: “We saw Patrick’s work and thought it would be perfect for the hospital.

“Art displayed in clinical environments can improve the outcome of treatment, and the well-being of staff and the general public.”

The exhibition will be at the hospital until October.

Patrick said: “I am thrilled to be putting something back into the institution that’s helping me with my ongoing battle with sarcoidosis.”

As well as his painting, Patrick is now holding life drawing and print making classes as part of his rehabilitation.

For more information go to studio58.moonfruit.com